(Archive photo: Anja van der Merwe/Maroela Media)
The Boksburg Magistrate’s Court adjourned the case against a 35-year-old man and his co-accused until April 1 for a formal bail application. The two are on trial for a series of serious charges which include, among other things, rape, sexual assault, the distribution of intimate images without permission and the possession of child pornography.
The first accused is charged with several serious crimes including rape, sexual assault, distribution of intimate images without consent, and possession of child pornography.
His co-accused also faces charges related to the alleged exploitation of a child for the production of child pornography, as well as the possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.
According to information presented to the court, the first accused was arrested on 26 March in Boksburg by members of the provincial unit for domestic violence, child protection and sexual offences. This follows after a multidisciplinary team used advanced investigative techniques and digital forensic analysis to track him down.
It is alleged that the accused drugged his partner, recorded non-consensual sexual acts with her while she was unconscious, and then distributed the material on a social media platform without her consent.
A search of his residence led to the seizure of a mobile phone containing the alleged recordings as well as additional material suspected of being child pornography.
Further forensic analysis of the cell phone led investigators to the second suspect, who was located and arrested shortly thereafter.
It is alleged that the second accused was involved in similar crimes with his own partner, and he was also found in possession of material suspected to be child pornography. Law enforcement officers also seized two firearms and ammunition during a search of his residence.
Preliminary investigations indicate that both accused may have been part of a social media group where content depicting the alleged intoxication and non-consensual sexual acts was shared and circulated.
Magaboke Mohlatlole, spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), emphasized that the state will in no way back down in the fight against these types of crimes.
“The NPA reiterates its unwavering commitment to the effective prosecution of gender-based violence and crimes against children, and to ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice in accordance with the law.”
According to Mohlatlole, “it is critical that the courts, with the support of competent investigative teams, work through these difficult cases to make sure that victims’ voices are heard and that the justice takes its course against those who commit such heinous acts.”
