Garth van West, a 53-year-old Worcester resident arrested on allegations of child p0rn0graphy possession and distribution, has been denied bail.
A decision was handed down the Worcester Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Western Cape spokesperson, Eric Ntabazalila, Van West will remain behind bars.
“The case has been adjourned to April 3 for further investigation.”
Van West was arrested on January 17.
At the time of his arrest, national police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said he was allegedly found with 95,000 images and 6,000 videos of child p0rn0graphy.
In opposing his bail application, State Prosecutor Sonja Mathee provided the presiding officer with relevant case law and all the legislative changes over the years, which showed how serious the issue against the accused was, the NPA said.
During his court appearance, various organizations protested outside the courthouse, asking the courts to deny him bail.
Corné van Rooyen, 40, from Kraaifontein, and Shannon Manuel, 32, from Mitchells Plain, were also arrested in a joint sting operation by the South African Police Services (SAPS) Serial and Electronic Crime Investigations (SECI) unit and the American Homeland Security department in January.
Their bail application decisions are still pending.
Manuel’s case was being heard at the Mitchells Plain Magistrate’s Court. He faces charges of possession of child p0rn0graphy, distribution, downloading, and possible grooming charges.
Van Rooyen, charged with the possession of illegal firearms and ammunition, possession, distribution, and access of child p0rn0graphy, as well as charges relating to the Animals Protection Act has been appearing in the Blue Downs Magistrate’s Court.
-IOL News
In other news – Photos of DBN Gogo kissing with her alleged boyfriend go viral
Well-known South African talent, Amapiano star DBN Gogo is trending after her alleged photos with her rumoured boyfriend made rounds on X, formerly Twitter. The photos have since thrust the bubbly DJ into trends as Mzansi tries to connect the dots about her alleged rumoured boyfriend.
DBN Gogo is said to have allegedly found love in the arms of ‘Adulting’ star actor Bu ‘Fancy Face’ Mthembu. Fans were more than convinced that the DJ was allegedly kissing the seasoned actor in the now-viral photos. Read More