Uganda Cranes Head Coach, Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic, has been found not guilty of sexual assault by the High Court in South Africa.
In October last year, Micho was convicted on two counts of sexual assault by the Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth) Regional Court and sentenced to two separate three-year jail terms, both of which have been suspended for five years.
The incidents happened in December 2020 while he was coach of the Zambian national team and was in South Africa to watch the regional Cosafa Under-20 Cup.
Micho immediately appealed the ruling and strenuously denied the charges against him.
The new development indicates that Micho’s appeal has been successful as the court acquitted him of all charges.
“After close scrutiny and careful consideration of all the merits presented by my legal team, the High Court handed down a judgment of my acquittal.”
I was duly found NOT GUILTY on all charges that I was sentenced on, which overturned the initial sentence and pronounced my TOTAL INNOCENCE on ALL counts of charges and pronounced the SUCCESS of MY APPEAL. This came as no shock to me because I had never second guessed my innocence, “says Micho in a statement.
According to Micho, the judgment restores his firm belief in the objectivity of the criminal justice system of South Africa.
“I thank every member of my legal team, a bunch of dedicated people who worked tirelessly to bring this chapter behind me.
I extend my heartfelt gratitude and appreciation for every word of encouragement and support I received from football-loving people across the broader African continent, my home, and friends in all parts of the world. Your unwavering love kept me going and gave me strength,” he says.