Lerato Mbhiza
Three suspected online child sex predators have appeared at various courts in Gauteng on charges of possession, distribution, manufacturing, accessing, and downloading of child pornography.
The trio appeared at Springs, Benoni, and Krugersdorp Magistrates Courts on Monday following their arrest by the South African police in collaboration with the United States justice authorities.
In recent years, South Africa has become a hunting ground for online child sexual predators who use the Internet and social media to target minors.
Police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe said in Springs, Gauteng police arrested a 63-year-old male British citizen who was found to be in the country illegally.
“The suspect faces offences related to bestiality. Other offences are related to child pornography such as possession, distribution, accessing, downloading, facilitating, viewing, facilitating the distribution and making available child pornography, exposure of a child to adult and child pornography and grooming of a child.
“The second suspect, who is a 43-year-old South African male, was arrested in Benoni. The suspect also faces offences relating to child pornography, such as possession, distribution, accessing, downloading, facilitating, viewing and facilitating the distribution of child pornography available.
“The third suspect, a 43-year-old South African male suspect, was arrested in Krugersdorp.”
Mathe said three South African children who were used during the commission of the offences were identified, and a dog was rescued.
The cases have been postponed for further investigation and bail applications.
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