A group of seven men on Wednesday appeared at the Krugersdorp Magistrate’s Court, facing multiple counts of rape, sexual assault, and robbery with aggravating circumstances and the Contravention of the Immigration Act.
The charges stem from the highly-publicised shocking incidents of 28 July 2022, wherein eight women were gang-raped and robbed at a disused mine in Krugersdorp, where they were filming a music video.
After the attacks, more than 80 men suspected to be illegal gold miners – better known as “Zama Zamas” – were rounded up in Krugersdorp by the police.
Zama Zamas have gained notoriety in local communities for allegedly being involved in crimes.
Some of them are suspected of attacking the women.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said it has has since established prospects of a successful prosecution, against 14 of the arrested suspects.
However, many of them thought to be from Lesotho, only face charges of contravening the Immigration Act.
The case was postponed to 28 September 2022, for further investigations.
Phindi Mjonondwane, NPA Regional Spokesperson, Gauteng Local Division, said seven more rape and robbery suspects will appear in court on Thursday.
