Africa-Press – South-Africa. Carrying placards that read “Am I next?” and “Hands off our women”, scores of protesters gathered at the Krugersdorp Magistrate’s Court on Monday, ahead of the appearance of more than 80 people who were arrested in connection with the rape of eight women last week.
They sang songs and demanded justice for the women.
“I’m here today because I am angry with what happened to our sisters. We need urgent intervention from government to take them (the accused) back to where they belong because they abuse us in our country,” one of the protesters, Katlego Mabotja, said.
Another protester, Poppy Dubazane, called on the courts to implement harsher sentences for men accused of rape.
“Government must give them harsh sentences. We are really tired. We as women are not safe in this country. Government must [impose] stricter…law[s]. There mustn’t be bail for rapists.”
Pastor Joe Mabuela, from Mogale City, told News24 the protesters were at court to support the victims.
“We are here to say we are tired… we are sick and tired of these things. We have been complaining about these illegal operations.
He alleged:
He added: “The community went out and looked for them (the victims), found them and rescued them and reported this. The police said they would take action, but we haven’t heard anything. We are tired of this. If the police are not helping us, as the community, we are forced to defend ourselves.”
In the case before court, it was previously reported, the women were raped while they were part of a crew shooting a music video in West Village, Krugersdorp.
Krugersdorp rapes: Questions linger as labs try to link suspects’ DNA to 8 victims
It was also reported that a group of men who wore blankets and balaclavas approached the women and fired shots into the air. They ordered everyone to lie on their stomachs and a few minutes later, more armed men joined them. The men raped the women and robbed them of their valuables.
The accused before court face charges of attempted murder, illegal mining, immigration-related offences, and the unlawful possession of firearms and explosives.
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