A 16-year-old Malmesbury teenager is facing serious charges after allegedly using online platforms to exploit children in the United States and instruct some to harm themselves and animals.
Eleven American children, aged between 11 and 17, have laid complaints against the teenager. He faces seven sexual offence charges, two cybercrime charges and two counts of animal cruelty.
Teen linked to violent online network
The teenager was arrested at the Mount Royal Golf and Country Estate in Malmesbury on Monday after authorities received information linking him to an international online network known as 764.
According to police, information was received from the FBI, the US Embassy in Pretoria and the National Centre for Missing and Exploited Children.
Police said 764 is an international online extremist network associated with child exploitation. Members allegedly target vulnerable children through social media, gaming platforms and online chat groups.
The State alleges the teenager used platforms including Telegram, Discord, Snapchat and Instagram to communicate with children.
Devices seized during Malmesbury arrest
Police seized several electronic devices during the arrest.
A preliminary examination allegedly uncovered child sexual abuse material and footage showing animal mutilation.
The charge sheet alleges the teenager encouraged children connected to the group to harm and mutilate animals. The State does not allege that he personally harmed the animals.
He is also accused of sending messages threatening or encouraging violence and sharing child sexual abuse material.
The alleged offences took place over seven months, beginning in January, when the teenager was still 15.
Teen remains in police custody
The teenager appeared in court on Tuesday, where the State opposed his release.
No bail application was made.
The court heard that a district surgeon must examine the teenager to determine whether he can be held criminally responsible before any mental health referral process begins.
He was remanded in police custody in Malmesbury and is expected to return to court on Thursday.
The State has stressed that the charge sheet remains preliminary and has not yet been finalised.
I’m a writer, editor and software developer at Newsroom ZA.
I build things, break them (on purpose), then turn the chaos into clean, readable stories. You’ll usually find me bouncing between breaking news, politics and entertainment.