Bianca du Plessis
An IT specialist from Hermanus appeared in the local magistrates’ court on Monday after being arrested and charged with possession of child pornography. Authorities have confirmed that more charges could be added to the docket as the investigation progresses.
The 41-year-old man, who cannot be identified until he has pleaded to the charges against him, was arrested on Thursday 5 June in Hermanus by members of the Western Cape Serial and Electronic Crime Investigation (SECI) Unit for possession and distribution of child sexual-abuse material (child pornography).
National police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Amanda van Wyk reported the arrest was made following a tip-off from the National Centre for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) in the USA.
“Further investigation by the Western Cape SECI team led them to trace and locate the suspect in Hermanus. Various digital devices found in possession of the suspect were seized during his arrest.”
She added that the suspect at this stage was not linked to a syndicate, but the investigation was ongoing.
Eric Ntabazalila, spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority in the Western Cape, confirmed that the suspect appeared in the Hermanus Magistrates’ Court for possession of child pornography.
“The court set bail at R10 000 and the accused’s case has been postponed until 12 September 2025 for further investigation. More charges are likely to be added as the investigation continues.”
This arrest comes hot on the heels of the conviction and sentencing of a 27-year-old man from Wellington who pleaded guilty to 646 charges against him, including possession and production child pornography, rape and child abuse.
The father of three allegedly took pornographic photos and videos of his children and sold it on the Kik app for between $5 to $10.He was sentenced to 35 years’ direct imprisonment. The court ordered he will be eligible for parole only after serving two thirds of his sentence.
