Preliminary investigations suggest that both accused may have been part of a social media group where content was shared and circulated.
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The Boksburg Magistrates’ Court adjourned the case against two men accused of sharing disturbing content related to drugging and non-consensual sexual acts.
Magaboke Mohlatlole, communications officer for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Gauteng Division, said preliminary investigations suggest that both accused may have been part of a social media group where content was shared and circulated.
The first accused, aged 34, faces multiple serious charges, including rape, sexual assault, distribution of intimate images without consent, and possession of child pornography.
The second accused faces additional charges relating to the alleged exploitation of a child for the production of child pornography, as well as possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.
"According to information placed before the court, a multidisciplinary team employed advanced investigative techniques and digital forensic analysis to trace the first accused. He was arrested in Boksburg on Thursday by members of the Provincial Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit.
"It is alleged he drugged his partner, recorded non-consensual sexual acts while she was unconscious, and subsequently distributed the material on a social media platform without her consent. A search of his residence reportedly led to the seizure of a cellular phone containing the alleged recordings, as well as additional material suspected to be child pornography."
Mohlatlole said further forensic analysis of the device linked investigators to the second accused, who was subsequently traced and arrested.
The second accused is alleged to have engaged in similar conduct involving his partner and was also found in possession of material suspected to be child pornography. Law enforcement officials further seized two firearms and ammunition from his residence.
The case was adjourned to April 1.