Two Gauteng men were arrested in an international sting for alleged drug-facilitated sexual abuse and child exploitation material.
Image: SAPS
Two men in Gauteng have been arrested in a coordinated international operation for alleged drug-facilitated sexual abuse and the distribution of child sexual abuse material.
According to police, the main suspect, a 34-year-old man from Boksburg, allegedly drugged and assaulted his wife over several years while recording and sharing explicit content.
A second suspect in Germiston, linked to the first, was also arrested and found with unlicensed firearms and electronic devices containing incriminating material. Both are due in court, on multiple charges including sexual assault, cybercrime offences, and firearm violations.
Police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Amanda van Wyk, said the multi-disciplinary takedown took place in Gauteng following crucial intelligence provided by the National Crime Agency (NCA) of the British High Commission in Cape Town.
She said at the centre of the operation was a 34-year-old husband accused of drugging and raping his wife over a prolonged period of five years.
It is reported that he recorded and shared explicit material, showcasing violent sexual acts performed on her while she appeared sedated and unconscious, violating her consent. This disturbing case has drawn attention to the alarming trend of somnophilia, or “sleep fetish,” as a pretext for sexual assault.
"Using innovative investigative techniques, the national and provincial Serial and Electronic Crime Investigations (SECI) team pinpointed the suspect’s location in Boksburg, where he was apprehended on Thursday, March 26.
"This operation was bolstered by support from the Department of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) of the US Embassy, exemplifying international cooperation in the fight against sexual crimes," van Wyk said.
The second suspect, aged 48, was found in possession of unlicensed firearms and additional incriminating electronic devices, further intensifying the charges against both men.
Image: SAPS
She said during the raid, forensic experts uncovered a disturbing trove of evidence on the suspect’s electronic devices, including images and videos related to drug-facilitated sexual assaults, as well as material depicting child sexual abuse.
The investigation didn't stop there; on the same day, officers moved quickly to apprehend a second suspect in Germiston, who exhibited a similar modus operandi and was known to the first suspect.
The second suspect, aged 48, was found in possession of unlicensed firearms and additional incriminating electronic devices, further intensifying the charges against both men.
Both suspects are due to appear at the Boksburg Magistrates’ Court on Friday, March 27.
They will be charged with various offences, including sexual assault, possession of unlicensed firearms, and multiple counts concerning the distribution and manufacturing of child sexual abuse material, as well as violations under the Cyber Crimes Act for sharing intimate images without consent.
Investigations continue.
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