A Bonteheuwel mother has been busted by the FBI for manufacturing child porn using her four-year-old daughter and selling the pictures and videos to paedophiles in America.
News of the woman’s arrest sent shockwaves through the Cape Flats on Tuesday after the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) revealed that she appeared in the Bishop Lavis Magistrates’ Court last week.
The woman, who may not be named to protect her child’s identity, was arrested in March but due to the sensitive nature of the investigation, cops remained toebek about her arrest.
According to a statement by NPA spokesperson Eric Ntabazalila, the woman sold the pictures on the dark web and received payments via Paypal.
“The FBI picked this up on the internet and an agent from the Homeland Security acted as a buyer and traced her to Bonteheuwel via geo tagging,” says Ntabazalila.
“She received payments for the pictures via PayPal.
“Her case has been postponed to 19 August for further investigation.
“The films and publications report is still outstanding. She hasn't applied for bail yet.”
According to a source, the matter was investigated by the Nyanga Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit and during a raid on her home, cops also found a stash of videos she had made, showing children engaging in sexual activities.
SAPS’ Joseph Swartbooi confirms the suspect was busted at her home in Bluegum Street.
“A 32-year-old female was arrested during a Joint Operation on 11 March from a residence in Bluegum Street, Bonteheuwel, on charges of manufacturing of child pornography, possession of child pornography, distribution of child pornography, financial gain from child pornography and rape.
“The investigation continues.”
Bishop Lavis Community Police Forum (CPF) chairperson Graham Lindhorst says the case has stunned the community.
“We are shocked and horrified that a mother could do something like this.
“There is no justification for doing something like this even if you have no money or food.
“The community is very upset and we are preparing to protest outside court at her next appearance.”
Bonteheuwel ward councillor Angus Mckenzie said they were outraged by the incident and called for justice.
“I am horribly disgusted at these revelations. It is heartbreaking to think that a mother would do this to her little baby, her own flesh and blood.
“‘A child that she birthed, a child that she spent nine months with and went through labour.
“I encourage that every single agency, whether it be homeland security, the South African Police Services, the Department of Justice, does everything in their power to ensure that this woman is not allowed to hurt this little child any further.
“It is traumatising to think that a mother would share naked pictures of her daughter on the dark web.
“This child will potentially never lead a normal life. It is up to us to make sure that she lives the best life after this incident.
“And it is our hope and prayer that it is done without this horrible monster called her mother.
“This monster has not just hurt her own flesh and blood, but has brought huge embarrassment and shame to her family and her community.”
Aditional reporting Weekend Argus
monique.duval@inl.co.za