Krugersdorp gang rape: Charges dropped against suspected illegal miners

The 14 suspects arrested in connection with the gang rape of eight women in Krugersdorp have been acquitted.

The alleged illegal miners will now face a charge of contravening the Immigration Act as a result of the rape, sexual assault and robbery with aggravating circumstances charges being dropped.

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DNA, ID parade goes bust

The suspects were reportedly acquitted because to neither the identity parade nor the DNA tests could link them to the crimes.

“Upon consultation with the complainants in the matter and with all the evidential material that has been gathered so far, it become apparent we cannot proceed with the prosecution.

“We, as the NPA [National Prosecuting Authority], decided that since we are now aware we have insufficient evidence to continue with the case, it is upon us to requisition all the accused so that the charges can be withdrawn in court,” NPA Gauteng spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane told eNCA on Thursday.

Police swooped on the suspects after eight women were raped at gunpoint and their film crew robbed while they were shooting a music video at a mine dump in West Village, Krugersdorp, in late July.

Ex-cop among accused

Earlier this month, a former police officer was arrested in connection with the Krugersdorp gang rape case.

Dolphina Truter was arrested and charged with theft and defeating the ends of justice.

She was allegedly part of the film crew and helped find the location where the gang rape happened in July.

It is alleged that she had in her possession property that belonged to one of the rape victims.

The 49-year-old was released on warning while police carried out further investigations, and the matter was postponed to 28 November.

Mjonondwane said the suspects have been remanded in custody and will be back in court on 1 November.