/ MEDIA STATEMENT / The content on this page is not written by Polity.org.za, but is supplied by third parties. This content does not constitute news reporting by Polity.org.za.

A joint operation by members of the South African Police Service’s (SAPS) Head Office, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Units and the Pretoria based members of the US Homeland Security led to the arrest of three suspects in KwaZulu-Natal, Durban on 29 November 2016 for allegedly being involved in child pornography.

The trio, who are aged between 29 and 47, were arrested in Bluff, Pinetown and Waterfall areas after an intensive investigation by members of the Durban FCS Serial and Electronic Crime Investigation Unit (SECI). The suspects were found in possession of pornographic material and illegal ammunition.

The police investigation revealed that the suspects were involved in access, sharing, downloading and distribution of child pornography. One of the victims is a 6-year-old child whose images were discovered by the police in the cellphone belonging to the Bluff suspect. The police investigation revealed that the victim also lives in Bluff.

The success of this operation is attributed to the partnership between SAPS and the US Homeland Security. The police investigation is continuing and will determine whether more suspects are involved in this heinous crime.

The suspects were charged with access, possession and distribution of child pornography, sexual assault and possession of illegal ammunition. They were detained at Brighton Beach, Hillcrest and Pinetown Police Stations.

They will appear in the Durban Regional Court tomorrow (1 December 2016).

Issued by South African Police Service