A suspected child sexual predator from Brackenfell in the Western Cape is remanded in custody following his arrest concerning alleged cyber sexual offences involving minors in Free State. The case against the 50-year-old man will continue in the Dewetsdorp Magistrates’ Court on 2 June, after it was transferred from the Blue Downs Magistrates’ Court.
Sgt Mahlomola Kareli, spokesperson for the Free State police said the matter was transferred to court in the Free State town after the suspect briefly appeared on Wednesday, 28 May. He said the Free State Provincial Serious and Violent Crimes Unit (SECI) traced and arrested the man for his alleged involvement with minors in Dewetsdorp.
Electronic devices were seized during his arrest. The arrest follows a complaint lodged in February 2025 by a clinical psychologist at a school in Dewetsdorp.
“It is alleged that the suspect exploited two boys, aged 15 and 16, by luring them with false promises of gifts in exchange for sexually explicit videos and images.”
Sgt Mahlomola Kareli, spokesperson for the Free State police
He said the suspect faces multiple charges, ranging from sexual exploitation, grooming and facilitating the creation of child pornography. These charges pertain to the two teenage boys.
According to Kareli, additional charges could be instituted against the man with the ongoing investigations. “A preliminary analysis has identified other potential victims, aged between 14 and 16 years,” said Kareli.
