| 2024/04/28 |
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Media Statement DURBAN – The South African Police Service (SAPS) reminds members of the public that being in possession and downloading of child pornography on a device is a criminal offence, this is as two more suspects were arrested for possession, downloading, accessing and manufacturing child pornography in KwaZulu-Natal. This brings to thirteen, the number of suspects arrested so far in South Africa through a joint operation between the SAPS and the USA Department of Homeland Security. 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. 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. Included was also images and chats where information relating to boys who are available for sexual favours at a price of R2500 and a willing buyer having a choice to drug them. The man has already appeared in court on Thursday, 25 April 2024. The suspect is remanded in custody for further investigation. The thirteenth 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. During the operation, the Department of Social Development assisted to remove children aged 6 years old and 4 months who were living on the same property. The SPCA was also called to assist 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. 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 has 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 pornography 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”, said Gen Masemola. The newly appointed Component Head of the FCS unit, Major General Mmantsheke Lekhele led this week’s operations. Ends
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