Thabiso Scebi Nene, 34, appeared at the Pretoria magistrate’s court on Tuesday after being arrested for allegedly circulating pornographic images with overlaid faces of President Cyril Ramaphosa and police minister Bheki Cele.
The case was postponed to May 30. He appeared on charges of contravention the Cyber Crime Act 19 of 2020.
Police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Philani Nkwalase said: “Furthermore, the matter was referred to Pietermaritzburg Magistrates court for the next court appearance [30 May].”
The Cybercrimes Act’s section 16 stipulates that any person who unlawfully and intentionally discloses, by means of electronic communication, an intimate image of a person without their consent, is guilty of an offence.
Nene was arrested by members of the Gauteng crimes against the state and the Hawks’ Pietermaritzburg-based serious organised crime investigation team.
Nkwalase said an investigation into pornographic images of unknown individuals with superimposed faces of the president, police minister, and his wife was launched at the beginning of the month.
“The images were distributed to police officers and members of the public on social media platforms, Nkwalase said.
“A 34-year-old suspect was traced and arrested in Azalea, Pietermaritzburg and the device that was allegedly used, as well as sim cards, were recovered in his possession.”
It is alleged that a multitude of other pornographic images were also found on the suspect’s device.
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