A series of brutal killings in Kempton Park, South Africa, has prompted a crime expert to emphasize the need for residents to be alert and aware of their surroundings. Yusuf Abramjee, a well-known crime expert, has warned that while individuals must take reasonable precautions, the state also has a fundamental responsibility to protect its citizens. The killings, which have claimed the lives of nine women, have understandably heightened fears in the community.
Three suspects, comprising a man and two women, are expected to appear in the Boksburg Magistrate's Court in connection with the murder of a ninth woman, whose body was found in Dawn Park in Ekurhuleni on Friday. According to National police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathre, the suspects were arrested over the weekend by members of the Gauteng Murder and Robbery Unit. The police are continuing their investigations, and it is essential not to assume that all the cases are linked until further evidence is established.
Abramjee has cautioned against placing responsibility for violent crime on victims, emphasizing that there is no single measure that can eliminate the risk of violent crime. He encourages people to take basic precautions that could reduce their exposure to risk, such as informing someone of their whereabouts, avoiding predictable routines, and staying connected. Additionally, he advises families to have an emergency plan in place, including who to call, where to meet, and what to do if someone suddenly stops responding.
Abramjee stresses that safety advice should not be reduced to simply telling women to avoid public spaces or refrain from walking or running alone. He argues that it is practical advice in certain circumstances but cannot be the entire response. Instead, he advocates for a more comprehensive approach that includes visible policing, functioning CCTV, better lighting, safer public spaces, rapid emergency response, and intelligence-led investigations.
The crime expert also advises people to pay attention to unusual behavior that could indicate they are being monitored or followed. If someone notices the same vehicle or person appearing repeatedly, or someone taking an unusual interest in their movements, they should not ignore it. Abramjee recommends that if people believe they are being followed, they should move towards a busy, safe location and alert someone they trust.
Abramjee emphasizes that trust your instincts is key, and the biggest mistake people make is assuming that something is harmless when their instincts are telling them otherwise. He advises creating distance, getting to safety, alerting others, and seeking assistance. For women and families in Kempton Park and surrounding areas, Abramjee urges heightened awareness but not living in constant fear.
Abramjee draws a clear distinction between providing practical safety advice and blaming victims. He stresses that telling people to take precautions is not the same as blaming victims, and it is essential to be careful with the language used. Ultimately, he argues that a woman has the right to walk, run, go to work, or travel without becoming a victim of violence, and the responsibility for a criminal act lies with the criminal.
Key points
- Residents are advised to remain vigilant and take basic precautions to reduce their exposure to risk.
- The state has a fundamental responsibility to protect its citizens, and effective policing and safer infrastructure are crucial in preventing violent crime.
- It is essential to distinguish between providing practical safety advice and blaming victims, and to avoid victim-blaming.
