Popular Durban entertainer remains in custody
A well-known Durban entertainer was arrested at his Glenwood home on April 23 and jailed on pornography charges. The award-winning performer was denied bail at his bail hearing last week, Thursday, and remains in custody.
THE news of an accomplished Durban entertainer’s arrest for charges related to child pornography has rocked the Durban community and local entertainment scene.
The lauded performer was cornered and arrested in a police raid at his Glenwood home on April 23. According to the South African Police Services, the 58-year-old is one of the subjects of a multinational investigation into an international child pornography network.
Police said hundreds of images and videos of children were found on his devices, and messages between the suspect and a man who had been arrested on similar charges in Umbilo were also discovered by police.
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“The 58-year-old man was found in possession of hundreds of images and videos of children involved in sexual acts. Included were also images and chats with information relating to boys, who are available for sexual favours at a price of R2 500, and a willing buyer having a choice to drug them,” said SAPS Brigadier Athlenda Mathe in a statement following the arrest.
According to police, the entertainer made his first appearance in court on Thursday, April 25, and will remain in custody as the investigation is carried out.
The National Prosecuting Authority’s regional spokesperson, Natasha Ramkisson-Kara, said his bail hearing, with only court officials in attendance, took place at the Durban Magistrate’s Court last week, Thursday (May 2). “He was refused bail. The matter has been adjourned to June 3 for further investigations.”
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The suspect is facing charges for the possession, distribution, accessing, downloading, facilitating, viewing and manufacturing of child pornography.
The local performer was the 12th person to be arrested in the multinational operation. A day after he was taken into custody, a 62-year-old man in Malvern was arrested and charged with the possession, distribution, accessing, downloading, facilitation, viewing and manufacturing of child pornography.
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