South African Minister in the presidency for women, youth and persons with disabilities Sindisiwe Chikunga has called on families in Ekurhuleni to check on their female relatives and report any missing persons to the police immediately. This appeal comes as investigations continue into the deaths of nine women found in the area since July. Chikunga made the statement during a briefing by the Inter-Ministerial Committee on gender-based violence and femicide.
The Inter-Ministerial Committee has urged people to check on female relatives, particularly those in and around Kempton Park, Kwa-Thema, and Tembisa. Chikunga stressed that families do not have to wait 24 hours before reporting someone missing, as early reports can assist police in beginning searches and investigations promptly. She encouraged families to provide a recent photograph, a description of the missing person, and details of where the person was last seen.
The discovery of the nine women's bodies has prompted intensified police operations and a specialised multidisciplinary investigation. At the time of the briefing, one of the nine bodies remained without a corresponding missing-person report. Chikunga also urged members of the public with information about the killings to report it directly to investigators rather than circulating claims on social media.
Chikunga warned that sharing unverified allegations, graphic images, or personal information of victims may cause additional trauma to families, fuel fear and prejudice, or compromise ongoing investigations. The public is asked to co-operate fully with investigators and report information directly to the police. This approach aims to prevent the spread of misinformation and ensure a smooth investigation.
The Inter-Ministerial Committee has approved a comprehensive emergency strategy in response to the killings, including an intensified law-enforcement operation and the elevation of the multidisciplinary specialised investigation team. The team will be co-ordinated by the deputy national commissioner for detective services. This strategy aims to bring those responsible to justice and provide support to the affected families.
Three people are expected to appear in the Boksburg magistrate’s court in connection with the killing of the ninth woman, whose body was found in Dawn Park on September 17. National police spokesperson Brig Athlenda Mathe said a man and two women were arrested over the weekend by members of the Gauteng murder and robbery unit. The woman's body had been wrapped in a sheet and left at the side of the road.
Acting national police commissioner Lt-Gen Puleng Dimpane said investigators were treating each of the nine cases as a priority and working tirelessly to bring those responsible to justice. Although police have not established that all nine killings are linked, they are following all available leads. The investigation is ongoing, with a focus on finding the perpetrators and providing closure to the families of the victims.
Key points
- Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga urges families to check on female relatives in Ekurhuleni and report any missing persons to the police immediately.
