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Residents of Kagiso, a township west of Johannesburg, South Africa, have been setting fire to homes which they believe belong to illegal miners, blamed for the gang rape of eight women.

Police on the ground and in helicopters have fired stun grenades and rubber bullets to disperse angry mobs.

The violence come days after eight woman were gang raped near a mine dump while filming a music video.
It has been reported that the women were confronted with weapons and also robbed.

Police said they believe illegal miners - known as zama-zamas who often dig for gold in closed mineshafts - are responsible.

One hundred and thirty men have been arrested on charges including possession of firearms and explosives, according to the authorities. However, none have been charged for rape while the police say they are awaiting DNA results.

The assaults on the women occurred on Monday, sparking outrage across the country. Seesham Samaai is the Director of Women's Legal Centre, Cape Town, South Africa.

She spoke about gender based violence in South Africa, telling Newsday, "We can't blame the system, these men must take responsibility for what they have done. But the level that it has been done, we need to be able to really introspect as a country if our women go through this".

Photo: People protest outside Krugersdorp magistrates court amid anger over the rape of a film crew Credit: Shiraaz Mohamed/AP

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