By Staff Writer
Police have arrested two suspects in KwaZulu-Natal for possession, downloading, accessing and manufacturing of child pornography this week.
In a joint operation with the United States and the South African police service, a total of 13 suspects have been arrested throughout the country in connection with child pornography.
According to the police the suspects are believed to be part of 27 South African individuals flagged as sexual predators by US intelligence.
This week, the SAPS Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Investigations (FCS) Serial and Electronic Criminal Investigations unit traced the suspects to Umbilo in KZN.
National Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said the 12th suspect is a 58-year-old man who was arrested on Tuesday.
He was found in possession of hundreds of images and videos of children involved in sexual acts.
“Included were also images and chats with information relating to boys who are available for sexual favours at a price of R2,500 and a willing buyer having a choice to drug them,” Mathe said.
The suspect appeared in court on Thursday and was remanded while police continue with their investigations.
On Wednesday police arrested a 13th suspect, a 68-year-old man who was found with thousands of child porn images.
Mathe said: “Police found images of children being sexually abused on his device.”
During the arrest police also found two children living on the same property, a six year old and four-month-old baby. The department of social development was called in to remove the young children.
Police also found neglected animals on the property, and they were taken to the local Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA).
The suspect appeared in the Pinetown Magistrate’s Court on Thursday. He was also remanded.
Mathe said the state intends to oppose bail for both suspects.
Other arrests of suspects involved in child pornography were made in Gauteng and the Western Cape in 2023.
The National Commissioner of the SAPS, General Fannie Masemola applauded the team’s dedication in removing those who are behind crimes against the most vulnerable in society.
“Being in possession, accessing, downloading, distribution, facilitating, viewing and
manufacturing of child porn is a crime. All these suspects face all these charges. We will continue to trace more suspects behind this type of crime. Our priority as the SAPS is to protect our women, children and vulnerable groups against those that perpetrate violence and crime against them,” Masemola said.
Pictured above: Illustration image.
Image source: SAPS
