“It is an absolute outrage that it took three months to process the DNA of suspects in the Krugersdorp film crew rape case,” said Kaylynn Palm, Action Centre coordinator at Action Society. “Had the DNA backlog been cleared, the National Register for Sex Offenders been up to date and the DNA samples of convicted offenders been taken before January this year, this case could have been nearing completion.”
Scrolla Africa reported that all 14 arrested suspects, in this case, had been acquitted of rape and robbery charges this week because their DNA could not be linked to the crimes committed.
A group of 20 armed men covered in blankets raped eight women filming a music video in Krugersdorp on 28 July. The community immediately blamed zamazamas, who conducted illegal mining and other crimes in the area. The police, led by the Minister of Police, Bheki Cele, swarmed the crime scene shortly after the incident occurred. However, the community was angry because the police did little to solve their previous complaints about the illegal miners’ activities. Cele made matters worse by commenting that some women were luckily only raped once while others endured multiple attacks.
In an identity parade, the women pointed out the 14 suspects, including one minor.
In another shocking turn, a former female police officer was arrested in connection with the case after some of the stolen items belonging to the victims were found in her possession in October. However, there has been no new information about this arrest.
“Our entire policing service is falling apart, and no one is safe,” said Palm. “We need an urgent audit skill of police members and a capable and effective management structure of the service to ensure that victims of crime get justice.”
