Police in Krugersdorp were out in full force after a film crew was attacked and several women were gang-raped, allegedly by illegal miners, on Thursday. Victims were reportedly also robbed. West Village residents reported hearing gunshots as police and illegal miners clash.

The incident occurred after the crew, who were busy making a gospel music video, decided to film at the mine dumps when they were attacked by illegal miners. Those raped are said to be aged between 19 and 39 years old.

#sapsGP #SAPS can confirm that on 28/07, a production company was shooting a music video at Krugersdorp, West Village when they were attacked by a group of armed men. 8 of the victims were allegedly raped by the suspects before robbing them of their belongings. #CrimeStop ME pic.twitter.com/JRRp3wBD6e

— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) July 29, 2022

Speaking to residents of West Village, Krugersdrop News was told that police were active in the area and that a shooting ensued between illegal miners and police.

firing in the air ordered everyone to lie down, searched everyone, whistled and another 10 African males wearing Basotho blankets and balaclavas joined them, the males started taking abovementioned ladies one by one into the bush and gang raped them brought them back and cont –

— CrimeInSA (@sa_crime) July 29, 2022

According to the Citizen, police minister Bheki Cele said the film crew consisted of 22 people with one woman raped by 10 men, another by eight and a third by six men.

Later on Friday, Brigadier Brenda Muridili of the Gauteng police said that 65 people were arrested and two shot and killed in an operation that was launched after the rapes and robbery.

Police are investigating 32 counts of rape and one of robbery, with Cele saying the goods stolen amounts to around R1.5m.

• Earlier this week Krugersdorp police released an identikit of a suspect believed to be involved in the gang-rape of a woman in Von Bradis Street on July 1.

The victim was walking to a taxi-rank when she was grabbed, dragged into the bushes and raped by three men who threatened her in Sesotho.

Anyone who might have information that could lead to the arrest of this suspect may contact the Krugersdorp Police on 011 951 1151 or contact Crime Stop number on 08600 10111 or information may be communicated via MySAPS App or SMS number 32211 and remain anonymous or may contact the Investigating officer Constable Phillip Lenyai on 073 915 3918 or office landline 011 951 1729.