“Our bodies are not disposable, and coming home should never be a privilege.”
That desperate plea from a local running club captures the climate of fear across South Africa after the murder of runner Elizabeth “Tsontso” Moselakgomo - one of several women found dead in Ekurhuleni since July - prompting the AA to extend free private security access to women across the country.
The Automobile Association of South Africa (AA) is offering women across the country 30 days of free armed response as concern over the safety of women intensifies following the deaths of eight women in Ekurhuleni, Gauteng.
Growing concerns over women's safety
“Our bodies are not disposable, and coming home should never be a privilege.”
The message from a local running club this week captured the growing fear among women following the murder of runner Elizabeth “Tsontso” Moselakgomo.
On Thursday, September 17, police discovered another body, bringing the total to nine women whose bodies have been found in and around Ekurhuleni since July.
The cases have prompted a major police investigation, with authorities yet to establish whether the deaths are connected. Only some of the victims have been identified, while police have offered a R400 000 reward for information that could lead to arrests.
The deaths have also highlighted the everyday safety concerns faced by women.
Free armed response
Against this backdrop, the AA says it is extending an armed-response service that has previously been available to its employees to women across South Africa.
The service will be available at no cost for 30 days following registration. Women will need to register through the AA website and download the MyAA app, which includes a virtual panic button that can be used to request assistance from participating armed-response providers.
The AA says there are no hidden fees and users will not automatically be charged once the 30-day period expires.
“It is both sad and unfortunate that as a society we’ve gotten to this space,” said AA CEO Bobby Ramagwede.
“This is the AA putting its hand up and saying to the women of South Africa, we see you, we hear you, and we want to help.”
An immediate intervention
Ramagwede said the initiative was intended as an immediate intervention rather than a solution to South Africa’s wider gender-based violence crisis.
He also called on other companies to consider what practical assistance they could provide.
The announcement comes as authorities face mounting pressure to respond to the Ekurhuleni killings. President Cyril Ramaphosa has directed police to prioritise the investigations, while a multidisciplinary team has been assembled to work on the cases.
Police have also cautioned against assuming that the deaths were committed by a single perpetrator, saying investigators are still examining the circumstances surrounding each case.
Extending the AA's safety role
For the AA, the initiative expands the organisation’s traditional focus on mobility and road safety into personal safety.
“Ultimately, it is all our duty to keep the women of South Africa safe,” the organisation said.
Women wanting to access the service can register through the AA website and activate the panic-button function through the MyAA app.
Meanwhile, taxi operators in Kempton Park say they have increased patrols in the area.
Deputy chairperson Adolf Rusinnga says the taxi industry will work closely with police and is considering additional measures to strengthen security in the community.
The increased patrols are expected to assist with keeping an eye on areas considered vulnerable while information is shared with law enforcement.
willem.vdputte@nationalmg.co.za