Alleged child pornography distributors’ bail application hearing postponed

NPA regional spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane said the senior state advocate opposed bail in the case, which was postponed due to the defence requesting time to prepare a response to the state's affidavit.

February 4, 2025

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The case of child pornography involving a Midrand couple has been postponed to February 7. Photo: Caxton Local Media

The Randburg Magistrate’s Court postponed the bail application hearing of the alleged couple involved in child pornography distribution to February 7.

The man (35) and his partner (25) appeared court on February 3 and will remain in custody.
It is alleged that the couple are also wanted by other law enforcement agencies from three other countries for similar charges

In a statement, Phindi Mjonondwane, National Prosecution Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, said senior state advocate Colleen Ryan opposed bail during the proceedings.

Also read: Child pornography couple to return to court on Monday

“The defence requested a postponement to prepare a response to the state’s affidavit, which was compiled by the investigating officer,” said Mjondondwane.

She added that the girlfriend’s electronic devices were also seized, and it is alleged that there was an attempt by her to destroy evidence relating to their conducting of the business, shortly after the man was arrested, in a ploy to minimise her role.

The man was arrested after police raided his Midrand home on January 17. After further investigations, the girlfriend was linked to the business, and subsequently arrested on January 25, in Houghton.

Also read: Authorities arrest girlfriend of alledged Midrand child pornographer after intensive probe

The arrests emanated from information that was shared by international law enforcement with South African Police Services (SAPS), after they had identified a target located in South Africa.

Mjonondwane said: “Both accused face multiple charges, including possession, creation, and distribution of child pornography, contravention of the Drug Trafficking Act, multiple counts of money laundering, acquisition and possession of proceeds from unlawful activities, possession of stolen property, and fraud. The state alleges that the accused were found in possession of a substantial amount of cash believed to be proceeds from the illicit activities”.

She said, furthermore, the state alleged that an investigation by the Serial and Electronic Crime Investigations (SECI) teams uncovered evidence that the suspects were allegedly hosting and distributing child pornography internationally for financial gain.

The police further seized electronic devices allegedly used by the accused in creating and distributing child pornography, as well as over 10 million images and videos of child pornography.