The South African Police Service (SAPS) conducted a takedown operation in Midrand on Friday, 17 January 2025, leading to the arrest of a 35-year-old suspect for possession, accessing, downloading and distribution of child pornography as well as possession of drugs, and fraud.
In the last two years, police arrested 21 suspects on charges related to child pornography countrywide.
A team of investigators attached to the national and Gauteng provincial Serial and Electronic Crime Investigations (SECI) units led by the Component Head for Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS), Major General Mmantsheke Lekhele executed a search-and-seizure warrant at a residence in Midrand.
During the operation, a number of 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, an estimated number of 10 million child pornography images and videos were detected thus far.
A large amount of cash, believed to be the proceeds of crime, was also seized.
The arrest emanates from information that was shared by international law enforcement with the SAPS after they have identified a target located in South Africa.
Further investigation by the SECI teams revealed that the suspect is hosting and distributing child pornography on a global scale for financial gain.
The suspect is expected to appear before Randburg Magistrates’ Court next week, while investigation continues. His identity will remain withheld until he has formally pleaded in court.
This success follows recent arrests made by the SECI teams.
In December 2024, a 41-year-old former school principal in Pretoria and a 49-year-old suspect in Vanderbijlpark were apprehended during similar operations.
Police arrest 21 sexual predators for child pornography countrywide in the last two years https://t.co/pSFZVUKVD6 #Crime @SAPoliceService pic.twitter.com/BphVykx7TA
– Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) January 17, 2025
