Deputy Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Peace Mabe, has strongly condemned the continuing violence against women in South Africa. The condemnation comes after the discovery of several women's bodies in and around Kempton Park and other parts of Ekurhuleni. Mabe's remarks were made after police discovered the body of a ninth woman on Thursday, 17 September 2026, in Dawn Park, Boksburg. This followed the discovery of eight bodies in Ekurhuleni over the past two months.
Mabe emphasized that the responsibility for ending gender-based violence and femicide cannot be placed on women. She stated that men must become active partners in challenging harmful behavior, reporting abuse, and protecting the dignity and safety of women and children. The Deputy Minister's statement was released on Saturday, 20 September 2026. Mabe's comments highlight the need for a collective effort to address the issue of violence against women.
The recent killings have caused widespread fear, anger, and grief in the community. The incidents represent a devastating attack on women's rights to life, dignity, and freedom of movement. Mabe noted that no woman should fear participating in sport, exercising outdoors, or occupying public spaces without fear of being attacked or killed. The Deputy Minister extended her heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of all the women whose lives have been taken by gender-based violence and femicide.
Mabe stands in solidarity with the running community, civil society organizations, non-profit organizations, and non-governmental organizations working in the justice, gender, and women's rights sectors. She also stands in solidarity with the residents of Ekurhuleni and the broader public demanding justice and safer communities for women. The Deputy Minister welcomed the prioritization of investigations by law-enforcement authorities and called for all necessary resources to be deployed to establish the circumstances surrounding the killings.
The Deputy Minister encouraged communities to share any information that may assist the police in their investigations. Mabe emphasized that every victim has a name, a family, dreams, and a future, and that their lives matter. She stressed that justice must be pursued without fear or favor, and that the collective response must demonstrate that there is no place for violence against women in South Africa.
The killings have raised concerns about the safety of women in public spaces. Mabe's statement highlights the need for men to take an active role in challenging harmful behavior and reporting abuse. The Deputy Minister's call to action emphasizes the importance of a collective effort to address the issue of violence against women. The South African government has been working to address the issue of gender-based violence and femicide.
The government has been urged to deploy all necessary resources to establish the circumstances surrounding the killings and bring those responsible to justice. The Deputy Minister's statement has been welcomed by various organizations and individuals who are working to address the issue of violence against women. The issue of gender-based violence and femicide remains a major concern in South Africa, and a collective effort is needed to address it.
Key points
- Deputy Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Peace Mabe, condemns the continuing violence against women in South Africa.
- The killings have caused widespread fear, anger, and grief in the community.
- Mabe calls for a collective effort to address the issue of violence against women.
