GAUTENG – Two men known to each other, and with a similar modus operandi, were arrested in Boksburg and Germiston respectively for drugging, raping and distributing video material of sexual acts without the consent of their sedated victims.
Through close collaboration, the national Serial and Electronic Crime Investigations team received an intelligence report from the National Crime Agency of the British High Commission in Cape Town regarding a South African target who is believed to be involved in drug-facilitated sexual assault. This is also known as somnophilia or “sleep fetish”.
Innovative investigative techniques and analysis led a multi-disciplinary team to the location of the first suspect, who was arrested in Boksburg on Thursday 26 March.
The 34-year-old husband drugged his wife, raped her, and afterwards distributed pornographic material of him performing sexual acts on her. It was distributed without her consent on an exclusive social media channel over a period of five years.
In the video footage, the victim appeared sedated and in a state of unconsciousness when these serious sexual offences were committed.
At the scene, forensic experts uncovered multiple images and videos relating to drug-facilitated sexual assault, as well as child sexual abuse material which were found on the suspect’s electronic devices.
On the same day, further investigation led the team to another suspect in Germiston with a similar modus operandi – the two suspects are known to each other.
Police also seized electronic devices and two unlicenced firearms found in the possession of the second suspect, a 48-year-old man.
Forencis analysis of suspects’ devices ongoing
The team was composed of investigators from the national and provincial Serial and Electronic Crime Investigations team in Gauteng, supported by the Department of Homeland Security Investigations of the US Embassy.
The two suspects were arrested by the South African Police Service for possession and distribution of drug-facilitated sexual abuse material, including child sexual abuse material.
ALSO READ: Rape survivor Gisele Pelicot’s memoir reveals trauma, resilience after husband’s decade-long abuse
Both suspects are expected to appear before the Boksburg Magistrates’ Court on 27 March on charges that include sexual assault, possession of unlicenced firearm, possession, distribution and manufacture of child sexual abuse material, as well as contravention of Section 16 of the Cyber Crimes Act, namely sharing of intimate images without consent of the victim.
Investigations and forensic analysis of the suspects’ devices remain ongoing, said Lieutenant Colonel Amanda van Wyk, police spokesperson.
ALSO READ: Prominent businessman charged with domestic violence remains behind bars
