Music teacher up for child porn

2007-09-18 23:12

Amanda Roestoff

Randfontein - A West Rand music teacher has applied for bail in the local magistrate's court after being arrested and charged with possession of child pornography and indecent assault.

The man, who may only be identified once he has pleaded on the charges of indecent assault, was refused bail by Magistrate Mawethu Mahlangeni.

Superintendent Heila Niemand, the investigating officer in the case, said the investigation had been extended to Winterton in KwaZulu-Natal. The man had taught choir at a school in KwaZulu-Natal a few years ago.

The police conducted a second raid on his home this week and found a computer and equipment that could have been used to manufacture pornography.

The man's attorney Pieter Redelinghuys said in his bail application on Tuesday that during the raid the police had "seized all material evidence connected to the charges, and had them all in their possession."

Rudzani Muhanganei, for the State, asked for a postponement because Niemand still had to question 30 pupils.

Muhanganei said the investigating officer had to travel to KwaZulu-Natal to collect "outstanding cases against the accused".

Arrangements had been made with the Escourt court prosecutors.

The magistrate also said that if police had seized the computer on Monday it was impossible for them to have checked all the evidence within 12 hours, and then testify at a bail application.

The case was postponed to September 25 for bail application.

- Beeld