Midrand – A police swoop on a residence has led to the detection of millions of child pornography images and videos and the arrest of a 35-year-old suspect.
The suspect faces several charges including possession, accessing, downloading, and distribution of child pornography, as well as drug possession, and fraud.
Narrating events leading to the arrest, police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Amanda van Wyk said the South African Police Service (SAPS) conducted a takedown operation in Midrand on Friday, (17 January 2025).
Major General Mmantsheke Lekhele, Component Head for Family Violence, Child Protection, and Sexual Offences, led the team that executed the search-and-seizure warrant.
The team included investigators attached to the national and Gauteng provincial Serial and Electronic Crime Investigations units.
“During the operation, a number of electronic devices suspected to contain child sexual abuse material (child pornography) were confiscated,” said Lieutenant Colonel Van Wyk.
“A forensic analysis of these devices was conducted on scene by cybercrime experts, an estimated number of 10 million child pornography images and videos were detected thus far.
“A large amount of cash, believed to be the proceeds of crime, was also seized.”
Lieutenant Colonel Van Wyk said the arrest emanates from information that was shared by international law enforcement with the SAPS after they had identified a target located in South Africa.
“Further investigation by the SECI teams revealed that the suspect is hosting and distributing child pornography on a global scale for financial gain,” said Lieutenant Colonel Van Wyk.
“The suspect is expected to appear before Randburg Magistrates’ Court next week, while the investigation continues.
“His identity will remain withheld until he has formally pleaded in court.
“This success follows recent arrests made by the SECI teams.”
Lieutenant Colonel Van Wyk said in the last two years, police arrested 21 suspects on charges related to child pornography countrywide.
“In December 2024, a 41-year-old former school principal in Pretoria and a 49-year-old suspect in Vanderbijlpark were apprehended during similar operations.”
