A 16-year-old Malmesbury teenager accused of having links to extremist online child exploitation networks is expected to return to the local magistrates’ court in the Western Cape on Wednesday.
The teenager remains in custody after appearing in court on Tuesday. The matter was postponed to allow authorities to obtain the results of an assessment by a district surgeon.
The suspect faces 11 charges, including sexual assault and cruelty to animals.
He was arrested on Monday as part of an international operation targeting individuals allegedly involved in online child exploitation networks.
National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Eric Ntabazalila says investigations into such cases often involve cooperation between law enforcement agencies across several countries.
Ntabazalila says individuals suspected of being involved in international networks can be monitored by authorities overseas before information is shared with South African law enforcement.
He says cooperation between international agencies can ultimately lead to arrests and prosecutions in South Africa.
The teenager is expected to remain in custody pending further proceedings in the case.