Published by on

A Cape Town activist has praised a decision by the Western Cape High Court to dismiss a bail appeal by a man accused of being part of an international child pornography syndicate, Cape {town} Etc reports.

Corné van Rooyen’s (40) attempt to be released was dismissed by Judge Mandy van Leeve, who said they would not interfere with the ‘findings of the magistrate’ at Blue Downs Magistrates’ Court.

Also read: Cape Town father denied bail on child pornography and grooming charges

Van Rooyen, from Kraaifontein, was arrested alongside Garth van West (53) and Shannon Manuel (32), following a joint operation by the SAPS and the US Department of Homeland Security in January.

At the time of the arrests, national police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe said the arrest of the trio from Kraaifontein, Worcester and Mitchells Plain were among seven South African suspects that were ‘busted’, as reported by IOL.

Mathe stated that Van Rooyen was found with ‘more than 149 000 pictures’ of child pornography as well as more than 5 000 videos in his possession.

He also had two unlicensed firearms and various calibres of ammunition in his possession, as well as nine snakes. He did not possess a permit for three of those snakes.

Van Rooyen’s legal team, in the appeal against his bail denial, claimed that the magistrate relied on evidence by the investigating officer, labelling his reasons for opposing the original bail application as ‘speculative’.

In her judgement, Van Leeve said that, during the original bail hearings, the magistrate took full note of the fact that Van Rooyen had tried to ‘conceal a cellphone and firearm’ during his arrest.

‘This court is not likely to interfere with the discretion exercised by the learned magistrate,’ said Van Leeve.

‘This judgement is a critical step in holding perpetrators accountable. At the Callas Foundation, we are committed to ensure that no child ever has to endure such atrocities again,’ said Caroline Peters, Callas Foundation founder.

‘We commend the court for its firm stance and call on all members of society to join us in protecting children from the horrors of abuse and exploitation,’ Peters added.

Peters stated that the impact on children affected by pornography were lasting.

‘The trauma inflicted on these children is unimaginable, robbing them of their innocence and altering their futures in ways that cannot be undone,’ said Peters.

‘The unlicensed firearms in this case adds a chilling dimension, raising the horrifying possibility that these weapons were used to further victimise these children,’ Peters added.

Also read:

Alleged Western Cape child sex predator to apply for bail

Picture: Sora Shimazaki / Pexels

Article written by