By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
South Africa’s fight against child pornography continues with the recent arrests of two individuals in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN).
This brings the total number of arrests in connection with child pornography to 13.
The 12th suspect, who appeared in court last week, was arrested on Tuesday.
National police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe said the 58-year-old man was found in possession of images and videos of children.
“Included were also images and chats where 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.
“The suspect is remanded in custody for further investigation.
“The thirteenth suspect, a 62-year-old man, was arrested on Wednesday after he was found with thousands of child porn images and videos which were seized. On his device, police found images of children being sexually abused.
“The accused already appeared in court in Pinetown. The state will oppose bail in both matters,” she said.
Arrests for child pornography were also made in Gauteng and the Western Cape in 2023.
General Fannie Masemola, the National Commissioner of the SAPS, commended the team for their commitment to abolishing this type of crime.
“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.
While the struggle against child pornography is far from concluded, each arrest marks a significant stride in the battle to shield children from exploitation.