Child pornography case: Father of former Pretoria school principal accused confused by charges

JOHANNESBURG - The father of a former Pretoria school principal and teacher was flustered and confused when his son appeared on charges of sexual grooming and child pornography on Tuesday.

The accused appeared in the Pretoria Magistrates Court after he was arrested on Friday.

This follows an investigation by South African Police Services (SAPS) and the United States Department of Homeland Security.

He is facing six charges related to sexual grooming and exposing a child to pornography.

A 41-year-old former Pretoria school principal and teacher made a brief appearance in the Pretoria Magistrates Court on Tuesday morning, facing six charges related to the sexual grooming of children and exposure of child pornography to minors.

Due to the nature of the charges, he can not be identified until he pleads.

Speaking to Eyewitness News following court proceedings, the accused’s father said he needed legal advice before commenting on the charges against his son.

"I cannot answer your questions. I don’t think I’m allowed to. If I’m allowed to I might, if I’m not allowed to I can’t."

The accused was arrested at his residence on Friday following an investigation by the United States Department of Homeland Security and SAPS.

He will remain in police custody until Christmas Eve before his second court appearance after verifying bail information.