A Johannesburg man who was arrested in Sasolburg in Free State in 2014 for possession, manufacturing and distribution of child pornography will tomorrow appear at the Bloemfontein High Court where he is now, owing to ongoing investigations into his activities, facing 935 such charges, which include rape and sexual assault.
So far 19 victims, whose ages range from 10 to 13, have been identified. Further investigations into this man are still on as the police believe there may still be other victims out there.
He was arrested by members of the South African Police Service’s Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Violence Unit (FCS) based largely in Gauteng, but with a countrywide footprint. His identity cannot be disclosed in order to protect the identities of his victims as some of whom are much close to him.
The 43-year-old man’s alleged criminal activities came to the attention of the police after they were picked up by the law enforcement authorities of Australia and Canada, who then informed their local colleagues, whose investigations led them to an address in the Free State.
The suspect was arrested at his workplace in Kew, Johannesburg. His office, home and a storage facility were searched and several items such as Cellphones, laptops, tablets, sex toys, pornographic DVDs, magazines, as well as several girls’ panties were confiscated. He is currently in custody, awaiting trial
Whereas the FCS is encouraged by these arrests, as it would send a clear message to other criminals with the same tendencies, an appeal is made to the parents and guardians to look out for any signs of abuse in their children. First it is important to know as to who their children are chatting to on their cellphones and computers.
Some of the signs that a child is being abused are sudden changes in behaviour such as being easily irritable, marks on the body, unusual knowledge and interest in sex and withdrawal from all activities, disciplinary problems. And, most importantly encourage the children to speak out and report these matters to the police.