After a horrific attack at an abandoned mine outside Johannesburg, South African authorities have arrested seven men with 32 charges of gang rape. Last month, a group of eight ladies was attacked while filming a music video at a mine near Krugersdorp.
Officials claim they are illegal miners digging for gold in abandoned mines. The men were among more than 60 people who were arrested on immigration and gun offenses and who appeared in court.
All are believed to be illegal immigrants in South Africa. However, due to the seriousness of their offenses, they are now anticipated to be prosecuted separately.
The women recognized the culprits during a police line-up following the attacks. Officers said the number of individuals charged with gang rape may increase when DNA testing is completed since several of the guys involved were wearing balaclavas when they attacked the team, concealing their identities.
According to one of the victims, the ladies are demanding “justice for all the girls who went through this…for the countless number of women who’ve been raped in this country.” Protesters from civil society organizations and other political parties gathered outside the court to demand that the men are denied bail.
The assaults provoked uproar in South Africa, prompting some to call on authorities to do more to combat a wave of violence against women.
Despite having one of the highest rates of rapes and sexual assaults in the world, the conviction rate remains low. Because of the link between the assaults and migration, enraged crowds have sought to find out foreign miners and fire their homes in retaliation.
Three of the rape survivors told the BBC earlier this week about their incident, which left them traumatized and fearful for their lives. During a national speech earlier this month, President Cyril Ramaphosa asked for assistance in apprehending the assailants.
“These horrible acts of brutality are an affront to the right of women and girls to live and work in freedom and safety,” Mr. Ramaphosa told South Africans. “We call upon communities to work with the police to ensure that these criminals are apprehended and prosecuted.”
In reaction to the recent incident, the ruling African National Congress held a policy conference and advocated for rapists to be chemically castrated.
