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Investigations uncovered thousands of graphic material involving minors — some as young as toddlers — stored on multiple devices.
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Warning: This article contains graphic descriptions of child sexual abuse, grooming, and exploitation, which may be upsetting or triggering for some readers. Reader discretion is advised.
An Eastern Cape father has been sentenced to two life terms and an additional 3 713 years behind bars for more than 700 counts of sexual crimes, including exposing his daughter to child pornography.
The Gqeberha High Court found the 56-year-old guilty of a slew of heinous offences including rape, sexual assault, sexual grooming, human trafficking, possession, production and procuring of child pornography as well as exposing children and a person living with mental disability to pornography.
The man, who pleaded not guilty, committed the shocking crimes between 2015 and 2022, mostly at his Jeffreys Bay home.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority regional spokesperson, Luxolo Tyali, his minor daughter, who is the primary complainant, was first exposed to pornography at the age of 10 and was subjected to repeated sexual exploitation by him and her adolescent half-brother.
“The accused not only participated in the abuse but also recorded the acts and directed them. He later distributed the content through digital platforms to unidentified third parties,” Tyali said.
He was arrested on 1 September 2022 after his daughter disclosed the sexual abuse to a relative.
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During the investigations, extensive digital evidence was uncovered, thousands of graphic materials involving both known and unknown minors, some as young as toddlers, stored on multiple devices, including a cellphone, laptop, hard drives and USBs.
“Children were depicted nude or semi-nude, engaging in sexual acts, often under coercion. The exploitation was not limited to the primary complainant; other children in the household were also groomed and abused,” Tyali said.
“In certain instances, the accused instructed his minor son to sell images and videos of the abuse to external clients.”
Investigations also revealed a broader pattern of systemic exploitation and criminal conduct within the family unit, and the accused was found to have used his authority and position of trust to manipulate and abuse the minors in his care.
While the accused pleaded not guilty, he did make certain admissions during the trial.
Senior State Advocate Ismat Cerfontein argued that the crimes committed were among the most severe and sustained forms of abuse the court had encountered.
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She emphasised the premeditated nature of the offences, the deliberate grooming of the victims, and the use of technology to document and distribute the abuse.
Cerfontein said the absence of remorse and the exploitative involvement of other minors demanded the imposition of life sentences.
The court agreed and further ordered that the additional sentences of 3 713 years run concurrently with the life terms and that his name be entered into the sexual offenders register.
He was also declared unfit to possess a firearm.
“This case serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of abuse within familial settings and the importance of vigilance in protecting vulnerable children,” Tyali said.
“The National Prosecuting Authority reiterates its commitment to holding perpetrators of such heinous crimes accountable and ensuring that survivors receive the justice and protection they deserve.”
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