OIDA International Journal of Sustainable Development
Open-access peer-reviewed journal
https://doi.org/10.64211/oidaijsd190902
A Post-COVID Retrospective Review of Child Sexual Exploitation and Paedophilia Offences in South Africa:
The Impact of Police Operational Safety
David Okanandu Iloma
Department of Police Practice, School of Criminal Justice, College of Law, University of South Africa, Florida Campus, Roodepoort, South Africa.
Corresponding author: ilomado@unisa.ac.za, vissionanddiscipline@yahoo.com
Volume 19, Issue 09, 29-42, 2026.
Abstract: Child sexual exploitation (CSE) is one of the most heinous forms of violence against children in the world and one that has remained an issue which has been a thorn in the flesh of criminal justice systems and child protection agencies. To address this social vice bedeviling Africa, this study examines the changing dynamics of paedophilia-related offences and child sexual exploitation (CSE) in South Africa in the post-COVID-19 operational environment, with a focus on police operational safety. Significant social and structural upheavals brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic included heightened socioeconomic vulnerabilities, limited mobility, and increasing digital participation, all of which changed the trends and frequency of child exploitation offenses. These developments have continued in the post-pandemic era, creating a more complicated police environment marked by the growth of internet exploitation, international criminal networks, and heightened expectations on law enforcement to conduct investigations. Using a retrospective review methodology, this study examines how changes in the operational environment have affected the types of child sexual exploitation offenses as well as the circumstances in which police officers work by synthesizing previous research and documented patterns. The role of the South African Police Service (SAPS) in addressing these changing dangers is given specific attention, particularly the specialist units in charge of sexual offenses, child protection, and family violence. The study demonstrates the increasing significance of inter-agency cooperation, digital investigative skills, and international cooperation in combating crimes against children that are made possible by technology. The well-being of officers, the efficacy of investigations, and the larger criminal justice response to child abuse are all significantly impacted by these dangers. The study duly recommends investing in digital forensic skills, bolstering institutional support, and creating complete occupational health frameworks that are adapted to the requirements of investigating child exploitation offenses in a South African post-COVID era.
Keywords: Child Sexual Exploitation; Paedophilia; Post-Covid-19; Police Operational Safety; South Africa
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