A Cape Town activist has lauded a decision by the Western Cape High Court to dismiss a bail appeal by the man accused of being part of an international child porn syndicate.
The bold attempt to be released by Corné van Rooyen was abruptly dismissed by Judge Mandy van Leeve, who said they would not interfere with the findings of the magistrate at Blue Downs Magistrate’s Court.
The 40-year-old man from Kraaifontein was busted alongside Garth van West, 53, and Shannon Manuel, 32, following a joint operation by police and the US Department of Homeland Security in January.
At the time, national police spokesperson, Athlenda Mathe, said the arrest of the trio from Kraaifontein, Worcester and Mitchells Plain, were among seven South African suspects busted.
She said Van Rooyen was found with more than 149 000 pictures of child pornography as well as more than 5 000 videos. He was also found in possession of two unlicensed firearms and various calibres of ammunition, as well as nine snakes – for three of which he did not have a permit.
In the appeal against his bail denial, Van Rooyen’s legal team claimed the magistrate relied on the evidence by the investigating officer, labelling his reasons for opposing the original bail application as “speculative”.
In her judgment, Van Leeve said that in the original bail hearings, the magistrate took 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,” the judge said.
Caroline Peters of the Callas Foundation said: “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. 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.”
She said 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.
“The unlicensed firearms in this case adds a chilling dimension, raising the horrifying possibility that these weapons were used to further victimise these children.”
Cape Argus