CrimeNews

UPDATE: Mooinooi accused also face rape charge

The results of the DNA tests are still being awaited.

A rape count has also been filed against seven people accused of murder and other charges after the disappearance of a Mooinooi couple in North West.

This was confirmed by police spokesperson Warrant Officer Mpeile Talane on Monday.

Two women, Anisha Van Niekerk and Joey Van Niekerk, went missing on 10 December on their way to a funeral in Pretoria. They were married.

ALSO READ: UPDATE: Missing Mooinooi women case postponed

Their vehicle was found burnt on 16 December in the Magaliesburg area.

Last week, burnt human bones were found in bushes along the R104 in Buffelsfontein.

Talane said a charge of rape had been added in the matter.

“The seven, who will be reappearing in court on Wednesday, are facing charges of robbery, murder, kidnapping, unlawful possession of firearm, defeating the ends of justice and rape.”

He said police were still waiting for the DNA test results to establish if the remains recovered in the bushes near the R104 in Buffelsfontein were those of the missing women.

Aaron Sithole (23), Alex Mudau (36), Moses Rakubu (33), Koos Strydom (53), Vincent Strydom (29) and Maruschka Opperman (18) and an unidentified minor appeared in Brits Magistrate’s Court last week.

The initial bail hearing was postponed to give them an opportunity to obtain legal representation.

ALSO READ: UPDATE: Missing Mooinooi women possibly found

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