President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced a series of measures and directives aimed at strengthening the government's response to gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF). The announcement comes after a series of killings of women in and around Ekurhuleni, with 11 bodies discovered in the area since July. Ramaphosa addressed South Africans on Tuesday evening, highlighting the need for government and society to do more to protect women.
One of the measures announced by Ramaphosa is a national case recovery operation focusing on unresolved murders, attempted murders, and rape cases involving women and children. The Minister of Police, the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), and the police leadership will undertake the review. The audit must identify unresolved cases within 60 days, and recovery plans must be in place within 90 days.
The review aims to identify cases that have stalled and determine what is required to move priority cases forward. Ramaphosa also directed the Minister of Police and the National Police Commissioner to develop a plan to reduce forensic backlogs in GBVF cases. The measures are aimed at ensuring that cases do not remain unresolved indefinitely. Ramaphosa stressed that these cases are not allowed to go cold and that the government will use all capabilities to investigate and provide information as investigations progress.
Ramaphosa also announced that every municipality must conduct a women's safety audit to identify areas where women may be at risk. The audits must be completed within 60 days and must identify hazards, including broken street lights, poorly secured parks and cemeteries, overgrown grass, hijacked buildings, and other areas that could present risks to women. Urgent hazards identified through the audits must be addressed within 90 days.
The government has already increased visible policing in Ekurhuleni following the killings. However, Ramaphosa stressed that policing alone would not solve the country's GBV crisis. He called for the enforcement of liquor laws and municipal by-laws as part of efforts to address conditions that can contribute to unsafe environments. A multidisciplinary specialised investigation team has been established to investigate the Ekurhuleni killings, while law enforcement visibility has been increased through Operation Shanela.
Ramaphosa urged members of the public to speak up if they have information about violence against women or the Ekurhuleni killings. He stressed that people do not have to wait 24 hours before reporting someone missing, and that hours and information matter. The government has previously made the same appeal following the Ekurhuleni killings, saying early reporting allows police to begin searches and investigations without delay.
Ramaphosa acknowledged that the government's current efforts are not enough to confront GBVF and that stronger action is needed. He said the names of the victims might be new, but the crimes are not, and that the government and society must do better to prevent violence before it happens. The President's announcement follows earlier directives for the Ekurhuleni murders to be prioritised by law enforcement.
Key points
- President Cyril Ramaphosa announces a national review of unresolved GBVF cases and mandatory safety audits in municipalities.
- The government aims to identify and address hazards in high-risk areas and increase police visibility.
- Ramaphosa urges the public to report missing people immediately and speak up if they have information about violence against women.
