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Chants of condemnation and demands for justice filled the air as gender activists protested outside the Krugersdorp Magistrates’ Court on Monday.
At least 80 men are expected in the dock in connection with the horrific robbery and gang rape of eight women.
The survivors were part of a film crew who were ambushed by illegal miners while shooting a music video at a mine dump in West Village on Thursday.
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The perpetrators wore Basotho blankets, balaclavas and miners’ overalls.
Speaking to City Press outside the court, gender activist Portia Maseko said that they want to send a message to the perpetrators. Activists are demanding the harshest possible sentence.
Maseko accused Krugersdorp police of refusing to open cases of rape and domestic violence and instead sending survivors away without assistance.
“The problem is that our police are in the pockets of the criminals, so when we report the crimes, police are the ones who shield the perpetrators.”
Operation Dudula member Ntombi Mazibuko said they were calling for law enforcement to track and arrest illegal immigrants.
“We are calling on law enforcement to act and protect our citizens,” she said.
She added that the gruesome attack highlighted how women continue to live in fear for their lives.
“Because of the lack of policing, people who are here illegally can commit these crimes and many of them get away with it because they are untraceable.”
READ: Editorial | Stop the orgy of mayhem and rape
Cele said that he had asked the forensic science laboratory to fast-track DNA testing to successfully link the suspects of the Krugersdorp gang rape attack to the crime.
Commissioner for detectives and forensic services Khosi Senthumule said that some of the suspects who were expected to appear in court on Monday were not on the national DNA database.
“The team is working around the clock and we believe that by the latest on Friday, we will have the results of their DNA and we’ll be able to match them to the DNA found at the crime scene,” she assured.
