Durban – Police have arrested two more suspects for possession, downloading, accessing, and manufacturing child pornography in KwaZulu-Natal.
This week, the South African Police Service (SAPS) Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Investigations (FCS) Serial and Electronic Criminal Investigations unit traced the suspects to Umbilo in KZN.
Police spokesperson, Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, said: “The 12th suspect was arrested on Tuesday, (23 April 2024).
“The 58-year-old man was found in possession of hundreds of images and videos of children involved in sexual acts.”
Brigadier Mathe said police recovered offending images and chats about boys available for sexual favours at a price of R2 500.
The chats also said the clients could drug the boys if they wanted to do so.
The arrested 58-year-old man appeared in court on Thursday, (25 April 2024).
The suspect is remanded in custody for further investigation,
Brigadier Mathe said the 13th suspect, a 62-year-old man, was arrested on Wednesday, (24 April 2024.
“Thousands of child porn images and videos were seized. On his device, police found images of children being sexually abused on his device,” said Brigadier Mathe.
“During the operation, the Department of Social Development assisted in removing children aged six years old and four months who were living on the same property.”
The SPCA assisted with the removal of a neglected dog and kitten.
The accused already appeared in court in Pinetown.
The state will oppose bail in both matters.
“The two arrests bring to 13, suspects arrested so far in South Africa through a joint operation between the SAPS and the USA Department of Homeland Security,” said Brigadier Mathe.
“Other arrests of suspects involved in child pornography were made in Gauteng and the Western Cape in 2023.”
SAPS National Commissioner General Fannie Masemola has applauded the teams for their dedication to arresting 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,” said General Masemola.
“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.”
The newly appointed Component Head of the FCS unit, Major General Mmantsheke Lekhele led this week’s operations.
The SAPS reminds members of the public that being in possession of and downloading child pornography on a device are criminal offences.
