Photo Blue Security
Durban court hands child porn fiend five years imprisonment
Durban police arrested two other suspects found in possession of child pornography.
Photo Blue Security
The 24-year-old John Travis Turnham is one of three suspects from Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, who was arrested for possession of child pornography in 2017.
Durban police zero in on child porn suspects
After three years of an intensive investigation and a subsequent trial, Turnham was sentenced to five years imprisonment on Wednesday 19 February.
Durban police spokesperson Captain Nqobile Gwala indicated that the 24-year-old’s case stems from an investigation that was launched in September 2017.
Durban police’s Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit (FCS) received intelligence that Turnham was in possession of child pornography.
“The members proceeded to his place of residence at Kinley Place in Westville and searched the premises. A phone and three hard drives were seized as the suspect was arrested. He made several court appearances until he was convicted and sentenced,” Gwala noted in a statement.
In an unrelated case, authorities in Margate, Durban, arrested a 17-year-old male who was found in possession of a cellphone that allegedly contained sexual material featuring minors.
“On 14 February 2020, the police received information that the suspect was in possession of images and videos of young people exposing themselves and a search was conducted. A cellphone was seized and case of being in possession of child pornography was opened at Margate police station for investigation. The suspect was later arrested by the members and charged,” Gwala wrote.
Furthermore, Durban FCS has warned of a growing trend in child porn crimes in the province.
A third suspect was arrested in Hillcrest, Durban, for possession of child porn. The man, a 79-year-old, is set to appear before the Pinetown Magistrate’s Court on Friday to register his charge and apply for bail.
“The members also arrested a 79-year-old man from Hillcrest for possession of child pornography. He is set to appear in the Pinetown Magistrate’s Court tomorrow,” Gwala confirmed.
