More charges added against Blouberg Couple accused of grooming and abusing daughters

A Blouberg couple accused of sexually grooming and abusing their two minor daughters is now facing additional charges, as the case against them continues to grow in scope and severity.

The 47- and 48-year-old accused, whose identities are being withheld to protect the victims, appeared briefly for the second time in the Cape Town Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday.

The pair were arrested at their home two weeks ago after an intensive investigation involving South African specialised police units, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the United States Department of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).

The charges initially included rape, sexual assault, sexual grooming, and the production of child pornography. On Tuesday, State Prosecutor Claire Smidt confirmed that more charges have since been added as new evidence has emerged. She also indicated that additional charges are likely to follow.

“This is a highly complex and deeply disturbing case involving crimes of a severe nature against vulnerable victims,” Smidt told the court. “Investigations are ongoing, and the State will strongly oppose bail.”

Authorities believe the abuse spanned an extended period and that the couple used digital devices to document and distribute explicit content involving their children. Law enforcement officials have seized several electronic devices, including phones and computers, which are currently undergoing forensic examination. Some of the material allegedly linked to the couple was first discovered by international authorities, prompting a cross-border operation.

“Their arrests followed collaboration between local authorities and international partners, who had been tracking illegal online activity involving child exploitation,” said a source close to the investigation.

Court proceedings were held under tight security, with several child protection groups present. Members of Women and Men Against Child Abuse (WMACA) gathered outside the court, holding placards demanding no bail and life sentences for the accused.

“This case is among the most horrifying we’ve seen,” said Miranda Samuels, a spokesperson for the organisation. “It’s heartbreaking that these girls were betrayed by the very people meant to love and protect them. The justice system must send a strong message.”

The magistrate granted a postponement to allow police to finalise investigations and for digital forensic analysis to be completed. The couple remains in custody at undisclosed locations for their own protection, given the public outrage surrounding the case.

Social workers and trauma counsellors have been appointed to provide ongoing support to the victims, who are now in a place of safety.

The couple is expected to return to court in early July. Prosecutors say they are preparing what could become one of the most significant child abuse trials in South Africa’s recent history.

— This is a developing story.