65 arrested in South Africa for raping, robbing models recording music video

By Hassan Isilow

JOHANNESBURG (AA) - Police in South Africa said Friday that 65 people were arrested in connection with the rape and robbery of eight female models while on the set of a music video in Krugersdorp, near Johannesburg.

Authorities said 22 crew members, including 12 women and 10 men, were filming the video Thursday at an old, unused mine when a group of armed men clad in blankets attacked the site.

"They ordered everyone to lay down and proceeded to rape eight women and robbed everyone of their belongings before fleeing the scene,” police spokesman Brig. Brenda Muridili said in a statement.

She said two suspects were shot dead Friday after pointing firearms at police officers during an operation. Muridili said the arrests occurred following a related operation.

Gauteng Police Commissioner Lt. Gen. Elias Mawela said police recovered unlicensed firearms, ammunition, explosives and processed gold dust believed to be linked to illegal mining gangs operating at old unused mines.

Mawela said authorities also recovered items belonging to the film crew including bank cards, identity documents and bags.

At least 67 people are murdered every day in South Africa, according to the national crime statistics.

In 2020, South Africa reported nearly 10,000 rapes and more than 6,100 murders between July and September, according to official data.