The 14 alleged illegal miners appeared at the Krugersdorp Magistrate Court to determine if the DNA evidence linked them to the crime. They  were arrested in July following a gang rape incident that occurred in West Village  at an abandoned mine dump in Krugersdorp. Eight women who were hired to shoot a music video fell victim to this brutality and its clear that the police were quick to arrest the wrong suspects.

DNA DOESN'T MATCH

They have been acquitted from their charges of rape, sexual assault and robbery with aggravating circumstances. They now only face a charge of Contravening the Immigration Act. DNA evidence proved that the accused were  wrongfully arrested because it does not match with the ones found on the victims.
Among the accused was a 15-year-old minor who was pointed out during an identity parade.

THEIR ARREST LED TO VARIOUS PROTESTS

The incident sparked outrage in the West Rand leading to various protests, which eventually spread to the rest of the province. Communities wanted zama zamas out of their townships claiming that they contribute to the high crime levels they are faced with. The police also conducted various operations arresting hundreds of suspects to send a message to illegal miners, however it's been one zama zama incident after another reported.