While the discovery of eight women’s bodies in Ekurhuleni since July has triggered a high-level police response, rights organisations contend that placing the burden of safety on potential victims, rather than tackling systemic violence, is fundamentally unacceptable.
Acting police minister Firoz Cachalia said on Tuesday night that police have established a multi-disciplinary high-level team with experience and expertise to investigate the cases. Five bodies were found in Kempton Park, two bodies were found in Olifantsfontein and one in KwaThema.
Cachalia said only two of the cases were initially reported to the police. “These bodies were discovered by the police from July 2026 onwards. In the case of the six victims, they have not been identified.”
He added that police have established a multi-disciplinary high-level team with experience and expertise to deal with multiple murders. A R400,000 reward has been issued for any information that might assist the investigation.
“There are limits to what law enforcement can achieve in dealing with GBV because of its nature. It takes place in families, and in intimate relationships,” Cachalia said.
Shelter group criticises police advice to women
In response to the cases, the National Shelter Movement of South Africa (NSMSA), an umbrella body that works with over 100 shelters that assist women and children affected by gender-based violence, said organisations in the sector are deeply concerned by an approach that places the responsibility on women to “be vigilant”, change their behaviour and take additional precautions to keep themselves safe.
They questioned why it is women’s responsibility to protect themselves from men who perpetrate violence against them.
This was after the police on Saturday, in a media statement, urged women to remain vigilant, while assuring the community that specialised police resources have been mobilised to establish the circumstances surrounding these deaths and bring those responsible to justice.
The NSMSA said, “Women should be able to run, walk, travel, work and live their everyday lives without fearing that they may be attacked or killed. Safety cannot be achieved by simply telling women to make themselves smaller, more cautious or less visible. The question we must be asking is: What are the state, law enforcement and society doing to protect women — and why are women still being expected to carry the burden of preventing their own victimisation?”.
The Lawyers for Human Rights agreed that responsibility for addressing GBV and femicide cannot be delegated to women or outsourced to communities and rests first and foremost with the State and its institutions
“SAPS needs to be aware – women in South Africa are already vigilant – hypervigilant. They have been vigilant for years. Women already plan their movements, share their locations, avoid certain places, and live with a level of caution that most people cannot imagine.
“The problem is not that women are not careful enough. We know this because women continue to be attacked while going about ordinary, everyday activities.
“As Lawyers for Human Rights, we reject the notion that women are primarily responsible for preventing the violence committed against them. South Africa does not need more advice directed at women. It needs a State that delivers on the commitments it has already made. It needs properly funded interventions, effective policing, accountability, and justice.”
A public outcry was sparked after runner Elizabeth “Tsontso” Moselakgomo was reported missing after she failed to return home after an afternoon. Following an extensive search, her body was found in Rhodesfield, behind a hotel two days later. Police later reported that other bodies of women had been found in Kempton Park and surrounding areas.
Ramaphosa orders investigations prioritised
President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed condolences to all families and communities affected by the killing of women recently found in and around Kempton Park.
“I have spoken to the Minister of Police and the Acting National Police Commissioner, who have briefed me on the investigation. I have directed that these cases be prioritised and that no stone be left unturned in bringing those responsible to justice,” the Presidency said.
gcwalisile.khanyile@nationalmg.co.za