Supplied
Police have arrested two men in different parts of Gauteng on charges of sexual grooming, and the possession, manufacture, and distribution of child pornography.
The arrests were made this past week in a joint operation between the SAPS, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the US Department of Homeland Security.
Lieutenant-Colonel Amanda van Wyk, said the first arrest was made last Thursday by members of both the national and Gauteng provincial serial and electronic crime investigations (SECI) Unit, forensic social work, and the FBI, following a tip-off received through an international tip line.
She said the investigation led the team to an address in Vanderbijlpark where they arrested a 49-year-old man who allegedly sexually groomed, sexually assaulted, and raped his girlfriend's 15-year-old daughter.
“In another takedown, on Friday, 13 December 2024 the team arrested a 41-year-old suspect, a former teacher and school principal in Pretoria on charges of exposing children to adult pornography and sexual grooming of boys between the ages of ten and twelve.
“Three victims have been positively identified thus far, a further six victims are yet to be traced,” Van Wyk said.
She said in this operation, the multi-disciplinary team comprised collaborated with the US Department of Homeland Security.
They seized various electronic devices suspected of containing sexual child abuse images and videos, commonly known as child pornography.
“Both these suspects are expected to appear before the Pretoria Central Magistrates' Court and Vanderbijlpark Magistrates' Court on 17 December respectively.
“The state will oppose bail in both matters,” Van Wyk said.
The police also warned the public that it is a criminal offence to possess, access, download, manufacture and share child pornography.
