Benoni man among three alleged child predators arrested
Three children and a dog used in the commission of the crimes were saved.
A 43-year-old man from Benoni is among three alleged online child sexual predators arrested last week by the SAPS’ Serial and Electronic Crime Investigations Unit (SECI).
They arrested the trio in a simultaneous takedown operation relating to several suspects identified as South African users who are involved in the possession, distribution, manufacturing, accessing and downloading of child pornography.
According to SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, SECI members, working in collaboration with the USA Department of Homeland Security, conducted preliminary investigations on the users.
They identified various provinces in which the suspects reside.
Mathe said the Benoni resident faces charges relating to child pornography, including possession, distributing, accessing, downloading, facilitating, viewing and facilitating the distribution of child pornography
“In Springs, the police arrested a 63-year-old male British citizen found to be in the country illegally.
“The suspect faces offences related to bestiality when police seized material of him allegedly having sexual intercourse with a dog.
“Other offences are related to child pornography, including 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,” said Mathe.
The third suspect, a 43-year-old male, was arrested in Krugersdorp. He also faces charges relating to child pornography, including possession, accessing, downloading and viewing.
“As a result of these operations, three South African children used during the commission of the above offences were identified, and a dog was saved. The operations will continue throughout the country to unravel a network of child sexual predators,” said Mathe.
The trio appeared before various courts, including Springs, Benoni and Krugersdorp Magistrate’s Court in Gauteng on November 13. Their cases were postponed for further investigation and bail applications.
The SECI is a unit within the detectives divisions under the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Investigations (FCS) Unit. The members investigate, trace and apprehend serial rapists and electronic crimes relating to online child sexual exploitation.
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