Some of the suspects appearing in the Krugersdorp Magistrates’ Court, west of Johannesburg, have been positively linked to the gang-rape of the eight women.
Suspects involved in the rape of eight women:
The suspects were arrested after the gang-rape of eight women who were part of a production crew shooting a music video in the area. They were working on site when the attack took place near the mine dump in Krugersdorp.
The suspects are also charged with violating the Immigration Act.
Earlier, African National Congress (ANC) National Executive Committee member Nomvula Makanyane called on the Department of Mineral Resources to expropriate abandoned mines for the benefit of the community.
She spoke to the media outside court ahead of the appearance of 81 illegal miners arrested following a gang-rape in Kagiso last month.
VIDEO: Interview with Makoniane:
A high-powered law enforcement team visited Krugersdorp on Saturday. National Police Commissioner General Fanny Masemola is leading a team of officials to engage communities living at the epicenter of illegal mining in Gauteng.
The move was aimed at combating illegal mining and crimes caused by illegal operations.
On Sunday in Kagiso, there was an anti-crime drive in Imbizo with the participation of residents.
Police ministry spokesperson Liranzu Thembo says: “The gang-rape that rocked the country has put the spotlight on illegal mining as a generator of crime in mining areas like Kagisa, also in the West Rand. This Kagiso community will this weekend also get the ear of the Ministry of Police and SAPS leadership during the second installation of Crime Combating Imbizo on Sunday. This crime-fighting Imbizo aims to provide a platform for residents to discuss and engage the SAPS in identified crimes affecting the community.”
