AN Umtentweni businessman (43) appeared yesterday (Monday) in the Port Shepstone Magistrate’s Court on six charges, ranging from rape and the possession and making of child pornography to grooming a child for pornography.
He will remain in custody and will appear this Friday (October 2) for bail application.
Police spokesman, Lieutenant-Colonel Zandra Wiid said the man was arrested in Umtentweni by detectives from the Port Shepstone Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) unit in mid-September after they received information about a possible rape case.
“Detective Sergeant Britt Edwards investigated the allegations and a rape case was subsequently opened,” she said.
It is alleged that the man had been raping and sexually assaulting his 5-year-old step-daughter since August. He was charged with rape and sexual assault and appeared in court.
The case was postponed to September 28 for bail application. However during her investigation D/Sgt Edwards seized exhibits from the man’s residence and these were sent for forensic investigation.
Four additional charges were added: possession of child pornography, making of child pornography, grooming a child for pornography and indecent assault.
