The South African government has approved a comprehensive emergency strategy to accelerate the investigation into the killings of nine women in Ekurhuleni. The strategy was announced by Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Sindisiwe Chikunga, after the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide considered recommendations from the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure. The plan aims to address prevention and social cohesion, law enforcement, protection and justice, and support for victims and survivors.
A multidisciplinary specialised investigation team will now be coordinated by the Deputy National Commissioner for Detective Services. The team will work to gather evidence and track down the perpetrator. Chikunga said one of the nine recovered bodies had not been linked to a reported missing-person case. The government has urged families to check on female relatives in and around Kempton Park, Kwa-Thema, and Tembisa, and to report any missing persons immediately.
The government has asked the public to report information directly to the police instead of circulating unverified allegations, graphic images, or victims' personal details online. Information can be given to Warrant Officer Elvis Manyike on 082 465 7249 or Crime Stop on 08600 10111. The police have not publicly concluded that all nine deaths are connected or confirmed the involvement of a serial killer, but the investigation remains active.
The Department of Social Development has begun providing psychosocial support to identified victims' families. The government has also set up a support system for victims and survivors, including the Gender-Based Violence Command Centre, which can be reached on 0800 428 428, by sending a Please Call Me to *120*7867#, or by SMSing HELP to 31531.
The community has been urged to cooperate with the police and provide any information that may help investigators. The government has assured the public that it is doing everything in its power to bring the perpetrator to justice. The investigation is being led by a team of experienced detectives who are working around the clock to gather evidence and track down leads.
The killings have sparked widespread concern and outrage in the community, with many calling for greater action to be taken to address gender-based violence and femicide in South Africa. The government has pledged to do more to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future and to support victims and survivors of gender-based violence.
The emergency strategy approved by the government includes measures to prevent further violence, provide support to victims and survivors, and bring perpetrators to justice. The government has committed to working with the community and with law enforcement agencies to ensure that those responsible are held accountable and that the community is kept safe.
Key points
- The South African government has approved an emergency strategy to investigate the killings of nine women in Ekurhuleni.
- A multidisciplinary specialised investigation team will be coordinated by the Deputy National Commissioner for Detective Services.
- The government has urged the public to report information directly to the police and has set up a support system for victims and survivors.
