Midrand — The South African Police Services (SAPS) conducted a takedown operation in Midrand on Friday that led to the arrest of a 35-year-old man who was found to be accessing, downloading, distributing and in possession of child pornography.
In a statement, police said the man was also found in possession of drugs and charges of fraud. Police revealed that 21 suspects have been arrested on charges linked to child pornography in the past two years.
According to police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Amanda van Wyk, said a team of investigators attached to the national and Gauteng provincial Serial and Electronic Crime Investigation (SECI) units led by the Head of Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Major General Mmantsheke Lekhele, executed a search-and-seizure warrant at a Midrand residence.
#sapsHQ [UPDATE] Police are still combing through evidence at the scene in Midrand where a suspect was arrested for child pornography-related charges. Thus far, the SAPS team found an estimate of 10 million child pornography images and videos on various electronic devices. NP pic.twitter.com/9h0gtyiqaR
— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) January 17, 2025
“During the operation, several electronic devices suspected to contain child sexual abuse material (child pornography) were confiscated. A forensic analysis of these devices was conducted on scene by cyber-crime experts, and an estimated number of 10 million child pornography images and videos were detected thus far,” van Wyk said.
Police later estimated that 10 million child pornography pictures and videos were discovered on various electronic devices.
Police also seized a large amount of cash during the search. The arrest comes after information was shared by international law enforcement with SAPS that they identified a target in South Africa. More investigation by the SECI revealed that the suspect was hosting and distributing child pornography on a global scale.
“The suspect is expected to appear before Randburg Magistrates’ Court next week, while the investigation continues. His identity will remain withheld until he has formally pleaded in court,” van Wyk said.
According to SABC News, van Wyk said he was involved in the distribution network and said the work of international law enforcement was crucial.
“We collaborated with international law enforcement, where they have shared information with us, where they have identified a target in South Africa. We then furthered the investigation, where they then revealed the location of the suspect, where you now see the takedown taking place behind us. Common or not common with the onset of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, it enabled cyber crimes to come to the forefront.,” Van Wyk said.
#Newzroom405 @AudreyChimwanda reports from the scene where a 35-year-old man has been arrested in Midrand, Johannesburg, for possession and distribution of child pornography. Lieutenant Colonel Amanda van Wyk confirms that the arrest follows information received from… pic.twitter.com/tZRGNBjK3K
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) January 17, 2025
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Compiled by Matthew Petersen
