A 16-year-old boy has been arrested in Malmesbury, Western Cape, on allegations relating to the accessing, possession, facilitation and downloading of child sexual abuse material.
The arrest follows a joint investigation involving the South African Police Service (SAPS) and international law enforcement agencies.
According to SAPS, its National Serial and Electronic Crime Investigations (SECI) team received intelligence from the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the US Embassy and the National Centre for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC).
Following an extensive investigation, police traced the teenager to an address in Malmesbury, where he was arrested on Monday.
Western Cape police spokesperson Amanda van Wyk said the intelligence indicated that the teenager was allegedly linked to violent online networks commonly known as “764”.
Authorities describe the “764” networks as international online extremist groups associated with the exploitation of children. Police allege that members of these networks target, blackmail and coerce minors into sexual abuse, animal cruelty and other serious criminal activities.
A preliminary examination of the teenager’s electronic devices reportedly uncovered explicit images and videos depicting child sexual abuse, as well as material involving animal mutilation.
Police said the devices will undergo a detailed forensic examination to establish the full extent of the alleged offences.
Several potential child victims have reportedly been identified as part of the investigation.
The teenager is expected to appear before the local Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday.
Investigators are also examining the possibility of additional charges linked to fraud and money laundering as the investigation continues.
SAPS said the case highlights the importance of international cooperation in combating online crimes involving the exploitation of children and other vulnerable victims.