[Follow-up] Two released after brutal rape and murder
The remaining five suspects appeared in front of the Magistrate this week.
Two of the seven suspects who were arrested in connection with the rape and murder of two victims on Saturday, 1 April have been released as the cases against them have been withdrawn for now.
Read initial article here: Two victims – one raped, both severely assaulted and set alight
“They couldn’t be linked to the case,” said Constable Lucky Matome, spokesperson for the West Rand Cluster. “But we are not ruling out the possibility of more arrests.”
The remaining five suspects appeared in the Kagiso Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, 5 April on charges of murder and rape.
It is alleged that the one of the suspects ran over a pedestrian on Saturday, 1 April, with his taxi. He fled, but community members called him back to the scene. He returned with a group of suspects who allegedly loaded both the pedestrian and one of his female friends into the taxi with them. They drove to an open field and offloaded both the victims. The female victim was then raped. The suspects then set both the victims on fire and drove off. Both victims died in hospital shortly after being admitted. The suspects were arrested shortly after.
Also read: Rape suspect arrested
Frustrated and angry supporters of the victims’ families chanted outside the court to show their dissatisfaction and disgust at the situation.
The chanting made the atmosphere unbearably uncomfortable. There were also many taxi drivers outside the court.
The accused spoke in undertones when addressing the Magistrate and spectators could barely hear what they were saying.
The matter was postponed until Wednesday, 12 April to give the suspects time to obtain legal representation.
They were however remanded in custody.
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