It is a case that is attracting a lot of interest. In June this year a well-known IT specialist from Hermanus was arrested in Hermanus for child pornography and on 18 September 2025 Hermanus Times reported on this case (“Case against Hermanus resident who was arrested for child pornpostponed again”, Hermanus Times 18 September 2025). On 12 September the 41-year-old brought an application before the court to request that he no longer remain under house arrest as set out in his bail conditions.
As part of the application requesting that the bail conditions be amended the accused’s lawyer read an affidavit out in which he stated that as the owner of a laser-engraving business and an IT-services provider being under house arrest was difficult, as he often had to meet with clients, source materials and deliver his products. It was also stated the coming months were “peak season” for generating income and that his livelihood depended on it.
The state indicated that after speaking to the investigating officer, who confirmed the investigation had been finalised, it would not oppose the application to have the bail conditions amended.
The case was postponed for the Director of Public Prosecution’s instructions on what platform (regional or high court) the case will be heard. According to Eric Ntabazalila, National Prosecuting Authority Regional Communications Manager of the Western Cape, the case is on the roll on 23 June 2026 for a regional court date.
The accused was arrested in June by members of the Western Cape serial and electronic crime investigation unit (SECI) for the possession and distribution of child sexual-abuse material (child pornography).
Lt Col Amanda van Wyk, national police spokesperson, reported in June the arrest had been made following a tip-off from the National Centre for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) in the USA.
“Investigation by the Western Cape SECI team led to tracing and locating the suspect in Hermanus,” she said. “Various digital devices found in his possession were seized during the arrest.”
