Actor among 13 arrested in SAPS and US child porn raids

POLICE believe the net is closing in on a child pornography racket, thanks to a series of raids by local officers and officials from the US Department of Homeland Security.

Last week, two men, aged 58 and 62, were arrested in separate take-down operations in Durban.

The operations were led by Mmantsheke Lekhele, the component head of the family violence, child protection and sexual investigations unit.

National police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe said the latest arrests bring to 13 the total number of suspects netted in a series of sting operations between South Africa and the US.

Mathe said the pair faced charges of possession, downloading, accessing and manufacturing child pornography.

“The 12th suspect was arrested on Tuesday. The 58-year-old man was found in possession of hundreds of images and videos of children involved in sexual acts.

“Also included were images and chats where information relating to boys available for sexual favours at a price of R2500 and a willing buyer having a choice to drug them,” Mathe said.

The man, said to be a well-known Durban actor, has already appeared in court and has been remanded in custody for further investigation.

Meanwhile, the 13th suspect was arrested on Wednesday.

“Thousands of child porn images and videos were seized. On his device, police found images of children being sexually abused. The Department of Social Development assisted in removing children aged six years and four months who were living on the same property,” Mathe said. “The SPCA was also called to assist with the removal of a neglected dog and kitten.”

The men have appeared in court and the State intends to oppose bail in both matters.

Mathe said arrests of child porn suspects were made in Gauteng and the Western Cape in 2023.

National police commissioner Fannie Masemola applauded the teams’ dedication.