Warning: This story contains explicit content that may be disturbing to sensitive readers

In a case bearing similarities to the Gisèle Pelicot case in France, a husband, who drugged and raped his wife and distributed pornographic videos without her consent for several years, has been arrested in Boksburg.

A second suspect, who is known to the husband, was also arrested.

The SAPS says its Serial and Electronic Crime Investigations (SECI) unit received information from the UK’s National Crime Agency, via the British High Commission in Cape Town, regarding a South African target who was involved in drug-facilitated sexual assault; Somnophilia or “sleep fetish.”

In a statement, the Police’s Lt. Col. Amanda van Wyk says the 34-year-old husband drugged, raped his wife, and distributed pornographic material of him performing sexual acts on her without consent on an exclusive social media channel over a period of five years.

The victim appeared sedated and in a state of unconsciousness when these serious sexual offences were committed.

“Innovative investigative techniques and analysis led a multi-disciplinary team to the location of the suspect, who was arrested in Boksburg on Thursday, 26 March 2026.”

The team comprised investigators from the national and provincial SECI teams in Gauteng, supported by the Department of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the US Embassy.

“Forensic experts at the scene 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.”

She says on the same day, further investigation led the team to another suspect in Germiston with a similar modus operandi. She confirmed the two suspects are known to each other.

Police also seized the 48-year-old suspect’s electronic devices and two unlicensed firearms found in his possession.

Both suspects are expected to appear before the Boksburg Magistrates’ Court today on charges that include sexual assault, possession of an unlicensed firearm, possession, distribution and manufacturing of child sexual abuse material, as well as contravention of Section 16 of the Cyber Crimes Act.

Investigations and forensic analysis of the suspects’ devices are ongoing.