
Midrand – In a recent police operation at a residence, authorities discovered millions of images and videos related to child pornography, leading to the arrest of a 35-year-old suspect.
The individual faces multiple charges, including possession, access, downloading, and distribution of child pornography, alongside charges of drug possession and fraud.
Explaining the circumstances surrounding the arrest, police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Amanda van Wyk mentioned that the South African Police Service (SAPS) executed a takedown operation in Midrand on Friday, January 17, 2025.

Major General Mmantsheke Lekhele, who heads the Family Violence, Child Protection, and Sexual Offences unit, was in charge of the team that executed the search warrant.
The operation’s team also comprised investigators from the national and Gauteng provincial Serial and Electronic Crime Investigations units.
“During the operation, numerous electronic devices suspected of containing child sexual abuse material were confiscated,” Lieutenant Colonel Van Wyk stated.
“Cybercrime experts carried out a forensic analysis on-site, revealing an estimated 10 million child pornography images and videos thus far.”
“Moreover, a significant amount of cash, believed to be sourced from illegal activities, was seized.”

Lieutenant Colonel Van Wyk explained that the arrest stemmed from intelligence shared by international law enforcement agencies with the SAPS, which had identified a target in South Africa.
“Further investigations by the SECI teams revealed that the suspect was hosting and distributing child pornography on a global scale for financial gain,” she concluded.
“The suspect is expected to appear in the Randburg Magistrates’ Court next week as the investigation proceeds. His identity will remain confidential until he formally enters a plea in court.”
“This operation signifies yet another success, following a string of recent arrests by SECI teams.”
Lieutenant Colonel Van Wyk highlighted that, over the past two years, law enforcement has apprehended 21 individuals on child pornography charges nationwide.
“In December 2024, a 41-year-old former school principal in Pretoria and a 49-year-old suspect in Vanderbijlpark were taken into custody during related operations.”