2nd Mossel Bay teen arrested on child pornography charges

MOSSEL BAY NEWS - A day after an 18-year-old youth was arrested in Hartenbos on charges of possession and distribution of child pornography, another young male was arrested by the Mossel Bay Family Violence and Child Protection (FCS) Unit on similar charges this morning, 2 October, at his home in Ext 8 in D’Almeida.

The 17-year-old boy was arrested on charges of creating and distributing child pornography, as well as the manipulation of a child for sexual purposes (known as grooming), after he allegedly coerced a 12-year-old girl from Riversdale to send him an explicit video of herself.

The boy allegedly sent the video to several friends.

The girl’s mother found the video on her daughter’s cellphone in early September and reported the matter to the police.

He is expected to appear in the Mossel Bay Magistrate’s Court soon. Because of the nature of the allegations against him, and because he is a minor, his identity cannot be revealed.

The police are currently investigating other similar cases, with arrests soon to follow.

Following these two arrests, the police have urged parents and guardians to monitor their children’s internet and social media activities, foster an open and honest relationship with their children, and make them aware that dangerous people exist online and that sexual offenders can be of various ages and genders.

Reports can be made directly to the Mossel Bay FCS Unit on 044 606 2864 or to the nearest police station.

Click here to see police resources and tips for practicing child safety online and on social media.

Previous articles:

‘We bring you the latest Garden Route, Hessequa, Karoo news’