Women’s rights teams in South Africa expressed outrage on Thursday and criticized police for dropping fees against 14 men accused of gang rape and stealing female film crew members from a deserted mine in Krugersdorp, west of Johannesburg.
State prosecutors said there isn’t enough evidence opposing the men to pursue the case.
The men, suspected of being illegal miners, were arrested in a police raid on the mine after at least 8 women were attacked and raped while filming a music video in July.
Reports of rape sparked violent protests in municipalities around Krugersdorp when network members accused small-scale miners working in deserted mine shafts of committing the crimes.
Lisa Vetten, director of Tshwaranang, which campaigns to end violence against women, and who spoke to some of the victims, told the BBC that the reduction in fees “will increase the existing cynicism that opposes the police and the courts in dealing with cases of violence. “sexual violence. “
“For this kind of thing to happen can be a huge setback for you to be safe again,” he told the BBC.
Protesters descended into deserted mines, blocked holes miners use to pass underground and burned their makeshift tents and belongings. The minors were arrested, assaulted and handed over to the police.
Police Minister Bheki Cele called the rapes a “disgrace to the nation” and first arrested more than 80 men before charges were finally brought against 14.
However, the rape and robbery charges were dropped on Thursday and South Africa’s National Prosecution Authority (NPA) said the effects of DNA can link either man to the rapes.
“After consulting with the plaintiffs in the case and the evidence that was lately presented to the NPA, it has become transparent that there is no adequate evidence to prosecute,” NPA spokeswoman Phindi Mjonondwane said.
The Commission for Gender Equality, a women’s rights organization, called on police to temporarily restart an investigation.
“We are absolutely outraged by the latest developments, which means the police have no idea who committed this crime. They arrested people, so the real criminals are still there,” spokesman Javu Baloyi said.
The Sisonke organization, which held outdoor protests ahead of the suspects’ appearance, also called on police to act temporarily to locate those responsible.
Prosecutors said the 14 men now face charges similar to immigration offences as they are suspected of being in South Africa illegally.
In August, CBS News correspondent Debora Patta met with 4 of the young people who survived the ordeal.
They were accompanied by their mothers, who held back tears as they listened to their daughters recount the ordeal. CBS News replaced their names at their request with their identity.
“Some of us try to run,” said Bontle, 19. “But we couldn’t, they were shooting. “
“And there were men scattered everywhere,” interrupted her older sister, Amanda. “They were expanding, 15 or more. “
They said they were surrounded by the attackers, who wore balaclavas and forced them to lie face down in a deep well. The male team members were stripped naked and held captive in a separate area.
They told CBS News that the attackers took turns with the 8Arrays who were tortured and brutalized for more than 3 hours before their captors fled.
“We were crying, you know, some of the girls. They were screaming as they were raped,” Bontle said.
“And before our eyes,” Amanda continued, “the other, they raped her before us. “
The men threatened to shoot them if they refused to cooperate.
“Telling me he’s going to kill me and all that if I don’t pay attention to it,” Amanda said. He took me somewhere, like. . . next to the hole. “