Rape charges against 14 suspects arrested in connection with the gang rape of eight women in Krugersdorp were withdrawn by the Krugersdorp Magistrates Court on Thursday morning.
Eight women from a film crew were gang-raped at gunpoint whilst on a music video production at an abandoned mine dump in Westville Village on 28 July 2022.
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The suspects were acquitted on all counts of sexual assault, rape, and robbery with aggravating circumstances.
According to EWN, it is understood that the charges are being dropped as a result of insufficient evidence that could not link the suspects to the crime.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane said “The decision to withdraw all the mentioned charges was informed by the outcome of the DNA results which excluded all the accused as well as a consultation process that the NPA had with all the complainants in the matter”.
The suspects are now only charged with contravening the Immigration Act.
“Prosecutorial-guided investigations will continue in pursuit of justice for all women affected by this heinous crime. The case was postponed to next week Tuesday for further investigations and all accused will remain in custody,” concluded Mjonondwane.
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Picture: Cape {town} Etc Gallery