The South African Police Service has reminded members of the public that being in possession and downloading of child pornography is a criminal offence. This after two more suspects were arrested for possession, downloading, accessing and manufacturing child pornography in KwaZulu-Natal.

The latest arrests bring the number of suspects arrested in South Africa to thirteen. These arrests are done through a joint operation between the SAPS and the USA Department of Homeland Security.

This week, the police’s Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Investigations Serial and Electronic Criminal Investigations unit traced the suspects to Umbilo in KwaZulu Natal.

The first suspect, a 58-year-old man, was arrested on Tuesday. According to police, he was found in possession of hundreds of images and videos of children involved in sexual acts. The content included images and chats with information relating to boys who are available for sexual favours at a price of R2,500. It also gives a willing buyer the option to drug them.

The man appeared in court on Thursday and is remanded in custody for further investigation.

The second suspect, a 62-year-old man, was arrested on Wednesday after thousands of child porn images and videos were seized. Police found images of children being sexually abused on his device.

During the operation, the Department of Social Development helped to remove 2 children, aged 6 years old and 4 months, who were living on the same property.

The SPCA was also called to help remove a neglected dog and kitten. The man already appeared in court in Pinetown.

The state is planning to oppose bail in both cases.

“We will continue to trace more suspects behind this type of crime. Our priority as the SAPS is to protect our women, children and vulnerable groups against those that perpetrate violence and crime against them”, National Police Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola

Other arrests of suspects involved in child pornography were made in Gauteng and the Western Cape last year.