Plett march against bail for paedophiles
Plettenberg Bay residents will stage a march in an attempt to have the law regarding bail for alleged paedophiles reviewed, after a local man was released following his arrest for alleged links to an international baby pornography ring.
“When the horrific news broke everyone was saying we need to do something and that is exactly why we decided to stage a march, to be proactive,” said organiser Yvette Wilschut.
A 37-year-old local computer engineer was arrested on January 13 during a joint sting operation by South African and Belgian police. He is allegedly linked to an international pornography ring distributing images and videos involving the brutal sexual assault of babies – some as young as a few days old.
He appeared in the Plettenberg Bay Magistrate’s Court the following day and bail was set at R10 000. The case was postponed until April 22 for further investigation. Bail conditions include that he may not access any computer nor may he frequent his Plettenberg Bay business premises. He may also not leave town and has to report to the local police station twice a week.
“Currently the law in this regard is ridiculous, especially in cases where a suspect is caught ‘red-handed’. In such cases, where there is very little doubt about his involvement, bail should not be given. He should be detained, otherwise the suspect can warn others involved, destroy evidence or harm even more children.