Man Arrested for Distributing Porn Images with SA President’s Face
By Sifiso Ngwenya
South African police have apprehended a man on allegations of disseminating pornographic images featuring the faces of President Cyril Ramaphosa, Police Minister Bheki Cele, and Cele’s wife, which were superimposed onto them.
The individual in question is scheduled to appear in court in Pretoria, facing charges under the Cyber Crimes Act for contravening laws pertaining to the unauthorized access or processing of computer data.
Authorities, who chose to withhold the 34-year-old suspect’s name, revealed that he distributed the manipulated images via social media, targeting both police officers and the general public.
Police spokesperson Philani Nkwalase informed news outlet TimesLive on Monday that the investigation commenced in May following the initial circulation of these images.
Subsequently, the suspect’s whereabouts were traced to the eastern city of Pietermaritzburg, where law enforcement officials took him into custody on Sunday.
During the arrest, authorities confiscated a device and multiple SIM cards believed to have been used in the distribution of the images.
While the distribution of pornography remains regulated in South Africa, it is important to note that the act itself is not prohibited by law.
However, the specific circumstances surrounding this case, including the unauthorized usage of public figures’ faces, have led to charges being filed against the individual responsible.
