Ramaphosa To Address Nation As 10th Woman’s Body Is Found In Ekurhuleni
President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to address the nation in the coming days on the government’s response to gender-based violence and the investigation into the killings of women in and around Ekurhuleni.
His announcement came on Thursday, 24 September, during the National Heritage Day celebrations in Oudtshoorn, when nine women’s bodies had been discovered in Ekurhuleni over about two months.
“The abuse, rpe and klling of women is not our heritage,” Ramaphosa said, describing the suffering of women in South Africa as a national shame. He said he would address the nation on the steps government is taking to confront gender-based violence and provide an update on the Ekurhuleni investigations.
On Saturday morning, police confirmed the discovery of another woman’s body at Mooifontein Cemetery in the Vusimusi section of Tembisa South, bringing the number of women whose bodies have been found in Ekurhuleni in the past two months to 10.
Police spokesperson Brigadier Brenda Muridili confirmed the discovery but said further details would only be provided after preliminary investigations. Local reports said the woman was found partly clothed.
Speaking later in eThekwini, Ramaphosa said he was aware of the latest discovery and condemned the continued killing of women.
“It’s a shame on the men of South Africa that we continue to kill the women of our beautiful country,” he said, adding that government would intensify its interventions against violence against women.
The government has established a multidisciplinary specialised investigation team to probe the Ekurhuleni killings. The team has been elevated to be coordinated by the Deputy National Commissioner for Detective Services. Police have also increased visibility in affected areas under Operation Shanela.
Three people were arrested in connection with the murder of Jabulile Ntimba, whose body was found in Dawn Park on 17 September.
Police and government officials have repeatedly cautioned against speculation that all the cases are linked. Investigators are working to establish whether there are connections between the deaths. A R400,000 reward has been offered for information that could lead to the arrest of those responsible.
No date has yet been announced for Ramaphosa’s address.
