File picture
A 42-YEAR-old Kimberley man was sentenced to 25 years direct imprisonment for exposing children between the ages of seven and 13 to pornographic material.
Police spokesperson Sergeant Timothy Sam said the accused groomed young girls and boys and lured them to the veld next to Mediclinic Gariep Hospital in El Toro Park, Kimberley, where he exposed the minors to pornographic videos and photographs during the period of 2019 to 2021
“The accused continually groomed the children into his sexual relationship by providing the children with food, alcohol and cash in order to keep the acts a secret. He further manipulated the minors by coercing them to commit sexual acts on him. The offender was arrested on September 8, 2021 and charged under the Films and Publication Act,” said Sam.
He added that the accused was remanded in custody until the completion of his trial.
“Due to the meticulous gathering of evidence by the investigating team, bail was denied and the accused remained behind bars until he was convicted by the Kimberley Regional Court on September 26, 2023.”
Sam said the accused was sentenced to 25 years direct imprisonment and his name would also be recorded in the National Sex Offender database.
He added that the investigating team was commended for the conviction.
“The Northern Cape SAPS provincial commissioner, Lieutenant-General Koliswa Otola, applauded Detective Sergeant Gwyneth Paulsen for the thorough and meticulous investigation of the case.
“Otola further urged the community to join the police in showing child abusers that this Province will not tolerate the heinous actions of paedophiles and will not stop law enforcement officers, as well as the public, from ensuring that all children are protected from harm,” said Sam.