PORT ELIZABETH - WESTERING "CHILD PORN" COUPLE'S CASE TO BE TRANSFERRED TO HIGH COURT SOON

The case against a Port Elizabeth couple accused of being part of a syndicate that distributed images of children being abused, is expected to be transferred to the city’s high court soon.

The 33-year-old man and 22-year-old woman from Westering, appeared briefly in the Port Elizabeth magistrate’s court on Tuesday.

The couple are allegedly part of an international child pornography ring that distributes footage of the torture, rape and murder of babies and newborns.

State Prosecutor Jason Thysse indicated that at the couple’s next court appearance the state would be ready to transfer the matter to the high court.

It previously emerged that an investigating team from Johannesburg were working together with the United States Federal Bureau (FBI) and the Belgian Police on a probe that was “sensitive in nature”.

Charges against the couple relate to possession, importing and distribution of films or publications which contain depictions or descriptions which encourage or promote child pornography or the sexual exploitation of children.

Police earlier said that after the arrest of the PE couple last year, 81 other leads were being followed up internationally.

The case was postponed to next Thursday, June 2. The couple’s bail was extended.