The gruesome murders of nine women, including avid runner Elizabeth Moselakgomo, in Johannesburg's East Rand have sent shockwaves across South Africa. Moselakgomo, 38, was found murdered on September 12, three days after she went for a run and never returned, leaving behind her eight-year-old daughter. Her body was discovered in the same area around Kempton Park where eight others were found since mid-July. The brutal killings have prompted police to investigate whether a serial killer or killers are responsible.
The murders have heightened concerns among women already accustomed to taking precautions in their daily lives. Nancy Masha, a 39-year-old runner, has started carrying pepper spray and a knife on her daily runs. "Her murder really traumatised me," Masha said. "We run in awkward spaces and at awkward times. But I won't stop running." Masha, who usually runs alone, has taken extra precautions to protect herself after Moselakgomo's murder.
The discovery of the bodies has triggered vigils, protests and solidarity runs across South Africa, drawing hundreds of people from Kempton Park to Cape Town to honour the victims and demand action to protect women. Gender-based violence remains endemic in South Africa, despite years of government pledges to tackle the problem and its declaration last year as a national disaster.
The government has reported a surge in distress calls related to gender-based violence. The 24-hour Gender-Based Violence Command Centre received 6,782 distress calls between September 1 and 16, averaging 424 a day, a 21-percent increase from the same period in August. The killings have sparked widespread outrage and calls for greater action to protect women.
While some women have taken to carrying pepper spray and knives, others have opted for more cautious approaches. Chulumanco Mahamba, 31, has cut back her daily walks to twice a week and now shares her live location with loved ones before leaving home. She also sends photographs of what she is wearing to loved ones.
However, not all women feel comfortable carrying a weapon. Hlompho Matji, 47, a data analyst and runner, expressed concerns about carrying pepper spray or a knife, citing a lack of training and potential risks. Babalwa Melitafa, 46, has opted to run only within a gated community's sports oval, citing fear for her safety.
The killings have also sparked a call for greater action from authorities. President Cyril Ramaphosa has described the violence against women as a "national shame". The police have arrested three people in connection with the Kempton Park killings, but concerns remain about the safety of women in South Africa.
Key points
- Women in South Africa are taking precautions after a string of murders of female runners.
- The government has reported a surge in distress calls related to gender-based violence.
- The killings have sparked widespread outrage and calls for greater action to protect women.
