File
The National Prosecuting Authority says seven of the scores of suspects arrested following the July 28 attack on a cast and fill crew working in the Krugersdorp area have now been charged with the rape of eight women.
NPA spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane says the seven were part of the group of more than 80 people arrested on immigration charges during a police crackdown on illegal miners, otherwise known as 'Zama Zama's.'
The eight women were part of a production team filming a music video when they were robbed and gang-raped.
The rapes sparked a national outcry and led to a massive police crackdown on illegal miners, mostly foreign nationals, in the Krugersdorp area.
The rapes also sparked a backlash from the local community who staged protests over several days, calling for an end to illegal mining and the eradication of the zama zama's from their area.
Mjonondwane said the NPA had established a "prima facie" case for rape against 14 of those arrested.
She said seven suspects were charged with rape when they appeared in court on Wednesday and that another seven would be charged with rape when they appear in a Gauteng court on Thursday.
