Police have arrested 67 illegal miners in connection with the rape of eight women in Krugersdorp, Gauteng.
The women were part of a crew filming a music video near a mine dump.
Police Minister Bheki Cele says two suspects who tried to resist arrest were shot dead.
He says police are trying to link evidence to the arrested suspects.
“Young people there between 19 and 37 were raped, some by 10 men. You can imagine the trauma in that situation,” Cele said.
Cele said DNA testing and identification parades will take place soon to see if any of the suspects were among the group that raped the women.
“Surely our laboratories, which are grinding now, they will prioritize, work on that,” Cele said.
Residents of nearby West Village say the government is simply not doing enough to ensure that women are safe in South Africa.
They say crime against women has become a norm.
“This is the norm, this is what we experience every single day…West Village is under siege,” community member Nicolene Tromp told Cele.
“We can’t walk freely in our own streets. The mayor is not doing anything in West Village. You are not doing anything as police, we can’t run to the police.
“Right now there are many deaths here and many rapes. Children are not safe here, what kind of future are we creating if your office is neglecting West Village,” she said.
Following Friday’s arrests, Mogale City mayor Tyrone Gray says they will be working closely with police to ensure that the community is protected from crime.
Gray outlined some of the measures that will be implemented.
“In relation to the grass cutting we’ve cut certain islands of the grass. The issue we can’t use conventional cutting measures. We will be getting more lights in the streets,” he said.
“We’ll also be focusing on closing tunnels of the zama zamas. We want to regulate and create more safe spaces in the community.”
-eNCA
In other news – Patrick Shai died a heartbroken man – Sad details emerge as his wife, Masechaba is exposed for cheating on him
Shocking new details have emerged surrounding the passing of veteran actor Patrick Shai. A local publication reports the actor died a heartbroken man and he refused to spend even a night at his home the night before he allegedly decided to take his own life.
Shai’s family and his widow Masechaba Shai, are allegedly at loggerheads over alleged cheating allegations levelled against her. Learn More
