Child-porn: Cop breakthrough
2004-10-01 19:16
Johannesburg - A 46-year-old man was arrested on Friday in what Gauteng police have described as a major breakthrough in an investigation into the production and distribution of child pornography.
Superintendent Lungelo Dlamini said the man was arrested at his home in Muldersdrift, west of Johannesburg, and his girlfriend taken in for questioning.
It was believed the man produced and distributed pornographic material involving children, and also designed his own web pages.
It was not yet known if he distributed the pornography widely, but that would be investigated.
Computer equipment and video material that could have been used to produce the pornography were seized by the police.
Dlamini said the investigation started two months ago when West Rand police came across a child-pornography video. The suspect was identified and closely observed until Friday's arrest.
Parents can be charged, too
"It is believed that boys and girls from disadvantaged families, some as young as seven, were involved in the production of pornography," said Dlamini.
"At this stage, it is unknown how many children have been violated.
"If it is discovered their parents are, or were, involved they also will be investigated and charged."
The man has not yet been linked to any other cases.
He was due to appear in Roodepoort magistrate's court on Monday.
- SAPA