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Seven suspects illegal miners were arrested during police operations following the gang rape of eight women in Krugersdorp on the West Rand in the past two weeks have been charged in connection with the rape.
“There is a prima facie case against the seven that appeared today (Wednesday). The charges relate to the incident that happened to a crew that was busy filming a music video in the West Rand,” National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane told journalists, outside the Krugersdorp Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday.
The accused only faced a charge of being in the country illegally but have now face more additional charges, including multiple counts of rape, sexual assault and robbery with aggravated circumstances.
All seven illegal miners told the court that they would apply for legal aid.
One told the court that he was 18, while another said he was 15. Mjonondwane said seven more suspects were expected to appear in the same court Thursday and expected to face similar charges.
Mjonondwane confirmed that an identity parade had taken place on Tuesday.
The case was postponed to 28 September for further investigations.
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