Recently, the South African public was met with another incident of violence against women.
8 women; singers, models, presenters and make-up artists suffered immense trauma in the form of gang rape and armed robbery whilst on a video production in West Village, Krugersdorp.
The violence, which occurred on 28 July has had locals up in arms. As the incident dawned on the horizon of Women’s Month (August) a sombre feeling washed over the nation, with many thinking the same thing – is there no end?
Crime stats in South Africa in recent times have been a huge matter of contestation. Fingers have been pointed at Police Minister Bheki Cele as to why the violent nature of criminal activity has become normalised in South Africa.
In light of the latest incident, Cele met with 6 of the survivors and their families on Sunday, 31 July, and it appears that police pressure is on.
According to an official police statement, the meeting revealed that some of the survivors were as young as 19-years-old.
“These young women are traumatised and are not in a good shape, mentally or otherwise. This is why the Gauteng MEC of community safety, Faith Mazibuko, has sent psychologists and councillors to provide mental healthcare to them. I have also requested Social Development Minister Lindiwe Zulu, to offer more support and immediately initiate restorative efforts for these young women whose only goal was to earn a living, only to be met with such brutality,” Cele said.
Investigations are underway, and police are cracking down on sniffing out illegal activities, arresting undocumented people and wanted criminals in the area where the attack happened.
Multi-disciplinary teams have been enforced “from Crime Intelligence, the Special Task Force, the National Intervention Unit, the Tactical Response Team, K9 units, Flying Squad, Highway Patrol, SAPS Airwing as well as Department of Home Affairs and other private security stakeholders,” according to the police.
Drones have also been deployed to track suspects in the mining areas, which has resulted in the arrest of 84 people. Police report that two of the suspects died in a shoot-out with the police, while another recovers in hospital after being wounded.
The mass arrests have been praised by Cele who noted that the police will squeeze out criminals no matter which hole they’re hiding in.
Suspects will appear in the Krugersdorp Magistrates court today, 1 August.
Also read:
Picture: Pexels
