President Cyril Ramaphosa has vowed stronger action to protect women as the killings of women in Ekurhuleni intensify national concerns over Gender-Based Violence.
Speaking at the Johannesburg Country Club, Ramaphosa said the government would provide more funds and technologies aimed at protecting women’s lives.
“The women in South Africa should never have to live in fear of men and that is precisely what we’re now going to be addressing more forcefully,” Ramaphosa said.
His statement comes after government confirmed on 20 September that nine bodies had been identified in Ekurhuleni between July and September.
All the bodies have been identified and respective families have been notified. Community members have been urged to cooperate with investigators should anything new come up.
On 15 September, Ramaphosa said law-enforcement agencies had been directed to prioritise the investigations and that “no stone” would be left unturned.
On Monday, he announced that government would deploy more resources and technology and described GBV as a national crisis.
The Inter-Ministerial Committee on GBVF has announced a Comprehensive Emergency Strategy built around prevention and rebuilding social cohesion, law enforcement, protection, safety and justice, and victim and survivor-centred support.
Government says the specialised investigation team has been elevated to the Deputy National Commissioner for Detective Services. It has also announced increased police visibility, environmental safety measures including grass cutting and clearing of illegal dumping sites, and psychosocial support for victims’ families.
The cases have brought up strong emotions among women across South Africa, especially in Ekurhuleni, where women have protested against GBV and raised complaints about women’s safety.
Government says that fear should be put at ease as it works to protect women’s safety forcefully.
