Krugersdorp gang rape: Seven suspected zama zamas charged

Seven suspected illegal miners have been charged with multiple counts of rape, robbery with aggravated circumstances and being in the country illegally, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has confirmed.

The suspects are among 80 who were arrested during raids that were launched after eight women were raped in West Village, on the set of a music video shoot more than two weeks ago. The rape sparked violent protests in the West Rand.

ALSO READ

• Krugersdorp gang rapes: ActionSA calls for Cele to name production company behind video shoot
• Law enforcement team visits Krugersdorp to address illegal mining
• Krugersdorp: Body of unknown man found in veld as protests continue

KRUGERSDORP GANG RAPE PROBE CONTINUES

According to NPA spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane, more suspects could be charged in connection with the Krugersdorp gang rape as the authorities continue to investigate.

Mjonondwane says seven more suspects will be charged after they appear before the Randfontein Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 11 August 2022.

“Once they have appeared in Randfontein tomorrow, they will be brought to Krugersdorp Magistrate’s Court to be added to this docket of the seven accused that appeared today,” she told journalists outside court on Wednesday.

This past weekend, Police Minister Bheki Cele and other top brass engaged in an anti-crime imbizo in Kagiso with community members. Residents expressed their anger and accused law enforcement of ignoring the dire implications that illegal mining has had in the community and demanded that their plights be addressed.

Speaking at the imbizo, West Rand residents called on police to remove zama zamas in the area warned they would deal with the situation, should local they fail in their jobs.

“You should arrest me now because I’m saying to you, should you fail to remove those zama zamas, I will lead this community – we only have our hands, that is the only weapons we have,” one resident said.

The residents did not mince their words, even going as far as encouraging the community to vote out the current government, citing their failure to remove the illegal miners and fighting crime.

View the full article