The discovery of nine women's bodies in Ekurhuleni, near Johannesburg, has heightened anxiety among women across Gauteng. Gender-Based Violence (GBV) advocates warn that these murders have reinforced fears regarding personal safety.
The bodies of the nine women were found in different parts of Ekurhuleni. The latest discovery occurred on Lamas Street on Thursday, where a partially clothed woman was found who, according to police, sustained a fatal neck wound. It is not yet established whether all these cases are connected.
Among the identified women are: Busisive Malangu, Itumeleng Kekana, Elizabeth 'Tsontho' Moselakgomo, Dineo Evelyn Motapane, Nomphesane Mdjobo, Jabulile Ntimba, and Graceys Nkomo. Over a period of more than nine weeks, their bodies were found in fields, by roads, near the R21 highway, in a river, and behind a hotel.
On Gender-Based Violence
Advocates emphasize that each name represents not just a statistic, but a life lost along with families, dreams, and future plans. Kovini Mudli, a expert in governance, risk, and compliance from Gauteng and an advocate for GBVF, expressed deep concern, noting that these murders cause significant stress.
Mudli reported that the incidents have intensified her concerns for safety, causing her to view routine activities differently, such as jogging, walking alone, traveling, returning home, surveillance, using geolocation, parking a car, or simply being outdoors. In her opinion, women should not constantly be assessing risks to participate in daily life, and this is one of the most alarming consequences of GBVF: it changes women's perception of freedom.
From the perspective of a risk and management specialist, Mudli believes that GBVF should be viewed as a systemic societal risk, rather than a series of isolated crimes. She insists that prevention cannot begin after a woman has disappeared or been murdered. Mudli pointed to South Africa's National Strategic Plan on GBVF, which includes areas for prevention, accountability and coordination, justice and security, response and care, as well as economic empowerment.
She noted that the current task is implementation, accountability, and achieving measurable results. The creation and functioning of the National Council on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide is an important institutional step. However, she stated that structures are insufficient; implementation, properly resourced law enforcement and specialized investigative capabilities, effective prosecution, survivor-centered support services, safer communities and public spaces, and better coordination between SAPS, prosecutors, health, social services, schools, workplaces, communities, and civil society are necessary.
Mudli added that prevention must start at an early age, educating boys and men about consent, respect, responsibility, emotional regulation, healthy relationships, and the consequences of violence.
Dr. Zubeda Dangor, head of the South African National Refugee Movement, stated that women fear going to work or using transport, whether it be ride-hailing services or walking to a bus stop. She called on municipalities to improve public safety by ensuring adequate street lighting and maintaining vegetation that could serve as cover. Dangor believes that telling women to stay home is insufficient if men are not involved in violence prevention efforts. She stressed that GBV and femicide are a societal problem requiring collaboration between communities and institutions, and expressed hope that this tragedy will awaken society, as she believes there is insufficient political will to solve the problem in the country.
Dr. Shahida Omar, a social justice activist and child protection specialist, noted that the murders are particularly painful due to their impact on children and families. She emphasized that the death of a victim affects the entire family and community, as she could have been a mother, daughter, sister, partner, or caregiver. Children can suddenly lose a primary caregiver, a sense of security, and their perception of the world as a safe place.
Omar also noted that women's reactions include fear, anger, and exhaustion, as well as constant doubt about whether they or someone close to them could be next. She pointed to the profound loss of trust that arises with every new body discovery. She specifically highlighted acute fear among women working early or late shifts, those traveling to transport hubs, residents of poorly lit or patrolled areas, and parents whose children travel alone. Omar is also concerned that children absorb this fear by hearing conversations at home and seeing stories on social media and television.
Priya Ranchod from Missing in Southern Africa stated that the murders have created a real sense of fear among women who should be able to lead daily lives without doubting their safe return home. She called for action, accountability, and urgency, insisting that GBV reports must be taken seriously and investigations must be thorough and brought to a conclusion. The main goal, she said, is to identify, arrest, and prosecute the perpetrators to ensure justice for victims and answers for their families.
