Malmesbury ‘764’ teen faces 15 charges ahead of bail hearing
· The South African
The 16-year-old Malmesbury teenager accused of links to the international “764” network now faces 15 charges as authorities continue their investigation.
He is due in the Malmesbury Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 27 August, for a formal bail application.
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The teenager initially faced 11 charges after police arrested him on 17 August.
Western Cape National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Eric Ntabazalila said that the number had since increased as the investigation continues.
Court ordered mental evaluation
At the teenager’s previous appearance, the court ordered a mental evaluation after a district surgeon recommended further assessment.
The court referred him to Valkenberg Psychiatric Hospital. However, Ntabazalila could not confirm whether the hospital had admitted him.
“The court made the order at the last appearance but I am not sure whether he has been admitted. We are likely to get an update tomorrow morning when the case returns to court,” he told The South African on Wednesday, 26 August.
Authorities have kept the teenager at a place of safety.
The court also sealed the charge sheet and its orders after the State sought measures to protect the minor, the alleged victims and their families.
Teen faces serious charges
According to the NPA, the case includes charges of sexual grooming of a child, compelled sexual assault and sexual exploitation of a child.
He also faces offences linked to child sexual abuse material, cruelty to animals and a data message allegedly inciting violence or damage to property.
The charges remain allegations before the court.
International intelligence led police to Malmesbury
Police traced the teenager after SAPS received intelligence involving the FBI, the US Embassy and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
SAPS said the information pointed investigators to a person in South Africa suspected of links to violent online networks commonly known as “764”.
Officers seized electronic devices during the arrest. Police said a preliminary analysis uncovered images and videos allegedly depicting child sexual abuse and animal mutilation.
Investigators also identified several child victims and sent the seized devices for further forensic analysis.