Krugersdorp Attack: NPA Drops Charges Against 14 Suspects Due to Insufficient Evidence

• The charges linked to the 13 men and the minor accused of rape, sexual assault and robbery have been dropped
• The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said there was insufficient evidence to continue with the case
• The men remain in custody and face charges of contravening the Immigration Act for being illegally in the country

KRUGERSDORP - The 13 men and the minor arrested for the rape in Krugersdorp are only facing charges of contravening the Immigration Act.

The charges of rape, sexual assault and robbery with aggravated circumstances have been dropped, eNCA reported.

The National Prosecuting Authority’s (NPA) Phindi Louw Mjonondwane told Briefly News that there was insufficient evidence to continue with the case.

“We can confirm as the NPA that the decision to withdraw all the mentioned charges was informed by the outcome of the DNA results which excluded all the accused as well as a consultation process that the NPA held with all the components in the matter,” said Mjonondwane.

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The matter will continue in the Krugersdorp Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, 1 November. The accused will consult with Legal Aid South Africa.

Mjonondwane added that investigations will continue in pursuit of justice for the women affected by the “heinous” crime.

The accused will remain behind bars. The alleged rape resulted in major protests throughout the country.

According to SABC News, the NPA previously said there are prospects for a successful prosecution against the accused. Investigations surrounding the matter are ongoing.

Eight women identified the men as suspects during an identity parade.

Citizens react to the dropped charges:

tebatso thupi said:

“They probably arrested incorrect people.”

0/50GTS commented:

“Insufficient evidence is the excuse, isn’t it in fact incompetence again? Justification and excuses.”

Simply Japheth posted:

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“This is seriously disgusting. A damned country.”

Nomawethu Mqina wrote:

“What is happening in this banana Republic Mara?”

Aston Winter added:

“We should have details as to the reason why DNA evidence is not available for the case of rape and how this failure can be avoided in future.”

Former female cop arrested in connection to Krugersdorp sexual assault of 8 women by alleged zama zamas

In a related matter, Briefly News also reported the South African Police Services in Gauteng has arrested former warrant officer Dolphina Truter, who has been linked to the gang rape of eight women in Krugersdorp.

The former cop was one of the crew members and was apprehended after police found some of the stolen items was found in her possession.

According to News24, it is believed that Truter helped the filming crew find the location where the gang rapes occurred. Police spokesperson Colonel Brenda Muridili stated that the former officer was arrested on Wednesday, 12 October.

Source: Briefly News