EVE KIABA AND FRIENDS CAUGHT WITH CHILD SEX ABUSE VIDEO IN ELY AND CARDIFF
In March 2017, a disturbing incident unfolded involving Eve Kiaba, a school cleaner working at a school in Ely, who became the center of a criminal case concerning the possession and distribution of child sexual abuse material.The case drew significant attention when it was revealed that Kiaba, along with four other women, had shown a highly illegal and despicable video to her colleagues, sparking an investigation that uncovered a troubling network of sharing such material.
According to court proceedings at Cardiff Crown Court, the video in question was a three-minute clip classified as the most severe Category A indecent image.
It depicted a child estimated to be between two and four years old being sexually abused by an adult male.
The gravity of the content was underscored by the prosecutor, Jason Howells, who emphasized the seriousness of the offense.
The incident occurred on January 10, when Kiaba was working as a cleaner at a school in Ely.
During her shift, she displayed the illicit video on her mobile phone to her colleagues.
The colleagues, appalled by what they saw, promptly reported her to their supervisor.
The supervisor, in turn, contacted law enforcement authorities, leading to Kiaba’s arrest two days later at her residence in Ely.
Her mobile device was confiscated and subjected to detailed forensic analysis by a high-tech crime officer.
The investigation revealed that Kiaba had received the indecent video via WhatsApp on January 9.
During police interviews, she claimed that she had obtained the video from her friend Annita Nzenzi and described it as a “bad video.” Kiaba insisted she was unaware that her actions constituted a criminal offense, a claim that did little to mitigate her culpability.
Further inquiries uncovered that Nzenzi had received the same video from another friend, Vanessa Shaku, approximately two weeks before Christmas.
Nzenzi admitted to forwarding the video to Kiaba via WhatsApp, despite expressing her own dissatisfaction with the content.
Police arrested Shaku on January 15, and her phone was found to contain the same Category A image.
Shaku admitted to sending the video to three friends, claiming her intent was to help them protect their children from similar material.
On January 16, authorities detained Bola Mputu, who denied deriving any sexual gratification from the video and claimed ignorance of the illegality of possessing or sharing such images.
The following day, Rose Ngandu was arrested and responded to her caution with shock, saying, “Oh my god, I had that sent to me.” All five women involved had no prior criminal records.
Kiaba, aged 38 and residing on Addicott Close in Ely, pleaded guilty to possessing, showing, and distributing an indecent image of a child.
Nzenzi, 49, from Penarth Road in Grangetown, admitted to possessing and distributing the image.
Ngandu, 40, from Loudon Square in Butetown, pleaded guilty to possession, multiple counts of distribution, and possessing an extreme pornographic image.
Shaku, 23, from Caerwent Road in Ely, admitted possession and distribution of the material, while Mputu, also 38 and from Heol Yr Odyn in Caerau, acknowledged possession and distribution.
Judge Eleri Rees addressed the court, describing the case as “unusual” and condemning the video as “despicable.” She emphasized that the acts were “clearly unlawful,” but also noted that the women had not intentionally sought out the images; rather, their actions appeared to be naive, curious, and misguided.
The judge highlighted that the women were regarded as valued and trusted members of their community, specifically within the Congolese Church, as reflected in character references.
During the hearing, Ruth Smith, representing Kiaba, stressed the importance of community education regarding such offenses.
The judge acknowledged that the women had already faced consequences, including time in custody and job losses, and stated that they would continue to pay a heavy price for their actions.
Each woman was sentenced to a 12-month community order, which included the requirement to complete 35 days of rehabilitation activities, along with a mandatory £85 victim surcharge.
Judge Rees concluded by emphasizing the importance of education on the dangers of such images and the role of distribution in perpetuating child abuse, underscoring the serious nature of these offenses and their impact on society.
