Popular KZN actor among those arrested for child pornography

A popular theatre actor from Durban is among several suspects arrested by a joint operation involving the police and the US Department of Homeland Security targeting child pornography in South Africa.

The actor cannot be named until he pleads to the charges. He is expected back in court tomorrow.

Two individuals have been apprehended in KZN on charges related to the possession, downloading, accessing, and manufacturing of child pornography, according to SAPS.

These latest arrests increase the total to 13 arrested in the joint operation.

Earlier this week, officers from the SAPS Family Violence, Child Protection, and Sexual Investigations Serial and Electronic Criminal Investigations Unit located the suspects in the Umbilo area of KZN.

The 12th suspect, a 58-year-old man, was arrested last Tuesday. He is said to have been found with hundreds of images and videos depicting children in sexual acts.

Included were also images and chats about boys available for sexual favours, with offers to drug the children.

He has been remanded in custody following his court appearance last Thursday, with further investigations pending.

The 13th suspect, aged 62, was detained on Wednesday, with thousands of child pornography files reportedly discovered on his devices. This includes explicit images of children being sexually abused.

Following his arrest, the Department of Social Development intervened to relocate two young children residing at the same property, and animal welfare officers removed a neglected dog and kitten.

Both accused have appeared in court in Pinetown, with the state expected to oppose bail.

These arrests are part of a broader crackdown on child pornography across South Africa, with prior arrests made in Gauteng and the Western Cape in 2023.

SAPS national commissioner General Fannie Masemola praised the efforts of the investigative teams.