EKURHULENI — President Cyril Ramaphosa has issued a direct message of solidarity to grieving families following the tragic discovery of nine women’s bodies in the Ekurhuleni area, affirming that the nation stands united against the escalating crisis of gender-based violence and femicide.
The President’s address was delivered by Acting Police Minister Professor Firoz Cachalia at a Memorial Dialogue against Gender-Based Violence and Femicide, held at the Kempton Park Civic Centre. The dialogue follows a grim investigative timeline, culminating in the discovery of a ninth body in Dawn Park, Boksburg, which adds to the eight other bodies found in Ekurhuleni over the past two months.
Addressing the human toll of these events, President Ramaphosa emphasized that the victims were individuals with hopes, dreams, and concrete plans for their lives. He stressed that each woman had a name, a story, and loved ones who expected them to return home. The President acknowledged that not all the women have been identified and recognized the ongoing anguish of families who are still waiting for answers regarding their missing loved ones.
Condemning the fear and uncertainty these killings have inflicted on local neighborhoods, the President declared that the State is determined to act with urgency to solve the cases, bring the perpetrators to justice, and restore community security. He confirmed that the South African Police Service (SAPS), in collaboration with all relevant state bodies, has dedicated specialized personnel and resources to the investigations.
President Ramaphosa stated he has issued a direct mandate that no stone be left unturned. This directive includes deploying every available resource, specifically the latest surveillance technology, to track down those responsible and halt the violence.
The President issued a stern warning to the perpetrators, stating they cannot act with impunity and will be found, arrested, and held accountable in a court of law. He reinforced the necessity of partnership between law enforcement agencies and citizens, issuing a public appeal for information. He urged anyone who may have heard or seen something relevant to the investigations to come forward, noting that even seemingly insignificant details can help solve the crimes, provide closure to families, and prevent future victimization.
Rejecting any normalization of violence against women, President Ramaphosa asserted that the government cannot treat these killings as isolated incidents happening to others. He reminded the public that behind every statistic is a human life, a mother, or a sister whose loss permanently alters the lives of those around them. He concluded with a call for a collective national commitment to actively defend the rights, safety, and dignity of women and girls in homes, streets, and workplaces across South Africa.
