By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Photo Credit: Andy Mkosi
Seven suspects who were arrested in police operations following the gang rape of eight women in Krugersdorp, west of Johannesburg, have been charged with rape.
The men were among 80 people arrested during raids launched after eight women were raped in West Village over two weeks ago.
Initially, the seven accused only faced a charge related to being in the country illegally, but they now face additional charges, including multiple counts of rape, and robbery with aggravated circumstances.
An identity parade was conducted where the suspects were identified by the victims through photographs.
The seven suspects have confirmed that they want to apply for legal aid as they do not have legal representation.
The nationalities of the suspects are said to be Malawian, Zimbabwean and Mozambican.
There will be two separate processes, one for those who were charged with rape and one those charged with the contravention of the Immigration Act. They will appear before the court separately.
An age analysis was also to be done as some of those arrested did not have any documentation to prove their ages, while some of those arrested were said to appear to be minors.
NPA spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane wouldn’t be drawn to comment on how these suspects were linked to the rapes. She has indicated that based on the evidence, the state believes they have a case to answer. “We can say there’s a prima facie case against the 7 who appeared today. We’re expecting 7 more to appear tomorrow facing the same charges – multiple counts of rapes, sex assualt and aggravated robbery, ” said Mjonondwane.
The suspects who appeared today are due back in court next month.