Activists and residents marched to the Kempton Park police station on Monday to demand urgent action from the police to deal with femicide. The march was a response to the murder of a 12th woman in Ekurhuleni. Members of shack dweller movement Abahlali baseMjondolo, Cry of the Xcluded, and the Socio-Economic Rights Institute of South Africa (SERI) were among those who participated in the march. They handed over a memorandum to the police and demanded a public report on the status of investigations into the murders of several women since July.
The group is demanding a well-funded and well-equipped women-led gender-based violence (GBV) task team and a 24-hour victim support room at Kempton Park police station. SERI director Nomzamo Zondo stated that the lack of policing in townships and informal settlements, as well as the conditions people live in, contribute to the high prevalence of violence. Zondo emphasized that they will hold government officials accountable for their promises of better lighting, services, and policing in the wake of the murders.
Soweto resident Cibi Sonkosi joined the march, expressing her fear for her life. She now locks herself in her house by 7 pm every day and doesn't answer any knocks because she can't trust anyone anymore. Tembisa resident Simon Mngwarwane-Dube also participated in the march, stating that visible policing was limited despite previous promises of intensified action. He mentioned that in Tembisa, gun violence is rampant, and gunshots are informally referred to as the national anthem.
Two weeks ago, Ekurhuleni mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza announced an increase in surveillance and related issues such as grass cutting and streetlights. However, the mayor's office did not respond to questions about the progress of these initiatives. In a statement, the South African Police Service (SAPS) said its head office has augmented the capacity of the Kempton Park police station through the deployment of additional members.
The SAPS also encouraged members of the public to report criminal activities and suspicious conduct anonymously to Crime Stop on 08600 10111. During the march, people noted that there were more police present than they typically see in the streets of their communities. The activists' demands come as the community continues to grapple with high levels of violence and femicide.
The march and subsequent demands from activists highlight the growing concern about femicide and GBV in South Africa. The Socio-Economic Rights Institute of South Africa (SERI) and other organizations are pushing for concrete actions from the government and police to address these issues. The situation remains dire, with residents expressing frustration about the lack of visible policing and effective action.
The issue of femicide and GBV is a pressing concern in South Africa, with many calling for urgent and effective action from law enforcement and government agencies. The activists' demands for a well-funded and well-equipped women-led GBV task team and a 24-hour victim support room at Kempton Park police station are key to addressing the issue.
Key points
- Activists demand urgent action from police to deal with femicide after 12th woman killed in Ekurhuleni.
- Marchers call for well-funded and well-equipped women-led GBV task team and 24-hour victim support room.
- Residents express frustration about lack of visible policing and effective action against violence and femicide.
