Update
MOSSEL BAY NEWS - The 18-year-old Hartenbos man who was arrested yesterday morning, 1 October, on charges of possession and distribution of child pornography, as well as for exposing a child to pornography, was granted bail of R1 000 during his first appearance in the Mossel Bay Magistrate’s Court this morning, Friday 2 October.
The accused, whose identity cannot be revealed because of the nature of the allegations against him, will be released from police custody once the bail amount is paid.
The court heard that the prosecution did not oppose his release, as he has no prior criminal history or outstanding warrants, and that the case falls outside a Schedule 5 offence, which would trigger a stricter bail process.
Following his release on bail, the accused must comply with the strict bail conditions the courts set. He is not to contact or visit the victim, a 12-year-old girl in Gauteng, or use any social media, including WhatsApp and Facebook.
The Family Violence and Child Protection (FCS) Unit in Mossel Bay arrested the accused at a property in Kompanje Avenue in Hartenbos yesterday, following a months-long investigation.
According to the police, the teen allegedly had more than 50 explicit photos of young children on his cellphone.
The police were notified of the incident after he reportedly sent a photo of a man committing sexual acts with a child to the 12-year-old girl in Gauteng.
The girl showed the photo to her mother, who then reported the matter to the relevant authorities.
Today’s matter was postponed to 5 November for further investigation.
The Mossel Bay community is encouraged to report such instances directly to the Mossel Bay FCS Unit on 044 606 2864 or to the nearest police station.
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.
Click here to see police resources and tips for practicing child safety online and on social media.
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