Woman's Rights Groups In South Africa Protest After Charges Dropped In Gang Rape Case
In South Africa, women's rights groups were outraged on Thursday when charges were dropped against 14 men suspected of gang-raping and robbing female members of a film team at an abandoned mine in Krugersdorp, west of Johannesburg.
Attorneys for the state determined there was insufficient evidence to press charges against the guys.
Police apprehended the guys, who are presumed to be illegal miners, during a raid of the mine in July, after at least eight women were beaten and raped there as they filmed a music video.
Community members in and around Krugersdorp believed that small-scale miners operating in the abandoned mine shafts were responsible for the rapes that had been reported. This led to violent protests.
The demonstrators also invaded the deserted mines, where they sealed up the tunnels used by the workers and set fire to their temporary shelters and personal possessions. A group of miners was captured, beaten, and then turned to the authorities.
Police Minister Bheki Cele called the rapes the "shame of the nation", and police initially arrested more than 80 men before charges were ultimately laid against 14.
South Africa's National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) stated on Thursday that DNA testing did not link any of the individuals to the rapes; thus, the rape and robbery charges were dropped.
"Upon consultation with the complainants in the matter, and evidential material currently at the disposal of the NPA, it became apparent that there is insufficient evidence to proceed with the prosecution," said NPA spokeswoman Phindi Mjonondwane.
Women's rights group Commission for Gender Equality demanded an immediate reopening of the case.
"We are completely outraged at these latest developments, which means the police have no idea who committed this crime. They arrested the wrong people, so the real criminals are still out there," said spokesman Javu Baloyi.
The Sisonke organisation, which demonstrated during the accused' court appearances, also demanded swift action by the police.
Since the 14 males are presumed to be in South Africa unlawfully, prosecutors have stated that they will solely face charges connected to immigration offences.