Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema has called for the establishment of a unit to tackle violent crimes amid the alleged robbery and rape of eight women in Krugersdorp in the west of Johannesburg earlier this week.
Malema has called for the jailing of the perpetrators and the reclaiming of South Africa’s now unsafe streets.
Over 60 suspects believed to be Basotho nationals have been arrested in connection with the crime. Malema was speaking at the party’s ninth anniversary celebrations in Mangaung in the Free State.
“Between January and March, 11 000. Imagine if its 11 000 per quarter, what’s going to happen in this 2022? All women in this South Africa will be raped by December if we don’t do something about it. Let us confront the rapists, let us find the rapists and the time is now.
EFF leader Julius Malema“There will never be another time to reclaim the streets of South Africa. Let’s make sure that there is a proper unit to deal with violent crimes.”
The group was out shooting a music video when the attack took place. They were also robbed of their belongings including clothes and other valuables. 83 suspects have been arrested following the ordeal.
In a statement, SAPS said: “On Friday, 29 July 2022, the Provincial Commissioner of Police in Gauteng, Lieutenant General Elias Mawela led a multi-disciplinary team of law enforcement agencies and security companies following an alleged incident of gang rape and armed robbery where a production company’s crew was allegedly attacked in Krugersdorp, West Village on Thursday, 28 July 2022.
“The operation which was also joined by the Executive Mayor of Mogale City, Counsellor Tyrone Gray and his team resulted in the arrest of 65 suspects for contravention of the Immigration Act, including one that is hospitalised for gunshot treatment.
“Two more suspects were fatally shot after allegedly pointing firearms during police operations. Two unlicensed firearms, explosives as well as other items that belong to the victims have since been recovered.
“It is reported that on 28 July 2022 in the afternoon, the crew of 22 people (12 women and 10 men), were busy filming a music video when they were allegedly attacked by a group of armed men clad in blankets. The suspects ordered everyone to lay down and proceeded to rape eight of the women and robbed everyone of their belongings before fleeing the scene.
“The multi-disciplinary team comprised of officials from Crime Intelligence, Special Task Force, National Intervention Unit, Tactical Response Team, K9, Flying Squad, Highway Patrol, SAPS Airwing and Tracker helicopter as well as Department of Home Affairs and other private security stakeholders. The Airwing and the deployment of drone technology were assisting the ground forces to track the fleeing suspects.
“The Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences is investigating 32 counts of rape following the rape of the eight women as well as a case of armed robbery.”
