In the wake of a series of brutal murders of women joggers in South Africa, many women are taking matters into their own hands to ensure their safety while exercising. Nancy Masha, a 39-year-old mother of two, now carries a knife and pepper spray with her on her daily jogs. This new routine was born out of fear after a high-profile murder of a jogger near Johannesburg. Masha is not alone in her concerns, as many women in South Africa have become increasingly worried about their safety.
The murder of Elizabeth Moselakgomo, 38, on September 12, has sent shockwaves throughout the country. Moselakgomo was found partially naked and brutally killed after being seen alive for the last time on September 9, when she went for a jog in the afternoon, leaving behind her 8-year-old daughter. Her death has become a symbol of a series of nine murders of women in the Kempton Park region, about 30 km northeast of Johannesburg, between mid-July and mid-September.
The recent spate of murders has highlighted the high levels of violence against women in South Africa, which has been declared a national catastrophe. According to the United Nations, one in three women in South Africa will experience physical or sexual violence in their lifetime. In the first 16 days of September, a line for reporting violence received 6,782 calls, an average of 424 per day. Many women, like Masha, have started carrying self-defense tools, such as knives and pepper spray, while jogging.
However, not all women feel comfortable carrying such tools. Hlompho Matji, a 47-year-old data analyst, believes that carrying a knife or pepper spray is risky, as someone could overpower and use it against them. Instead, some women, like Babalwa Melitafa, 46, have opted to jog in secure areas, such as a sports field in a gated community. Melitafa has decided not to carry any self-defense tools but rather change her jogging routine to feel safer.
The wave of fear has spread across the country, with women from different parts of South Africa taking precautions. Andiswa Siwela, a 43-year-old film director, now carries pepper spray with her while jogging and has become more cautious when encountering strangers during her outdoor activities. The situation has become so dire that President Cyril Ramaphosa has described the violence against women in South Africa as a "national shame."
The authorities have been urged to take action to address the issue of violence against women. The recent series of murders has put pressure on the government to do more to ensure women's safety. Many women are demanding more protection and calling for an end to the culture of violence against women in South Africa.
As the situation continues to unfold, women in South Africa are left to ponder their own safety while exercising. While some have resorted to carrying self-defense tools, others have changed their jogging routines or opted for secure areas. The issue of violence against women in South Africa remains a pressing concern, with many calling for urgent action to be taken.
Key points
- Women in South Africa are taking self-defense measures, such as carrying knives and pepper spray, while jogging due to a recent spate of murders.
- The recent series of murders has highlighted the high levels of violence against women in South Africa, which has been declared a national catastrophe.
- The authorities have been urged to take action to address the issue of violence against women in South Africa.
