By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
President Cyril Ramaphosa directed law enforcement to prioritize the investigation into the murders in and around Kempton Park, East of Johannesburg.
His directive comes as concern continues to grow across the East Rand following the discovery of six women’s bodies in public spaces.
A body was found outside a clinic in KwaThema, Springs, on Tuesday, while another woman’s body was discovered in Olifantsfontein on Monday.
Three women’s bodies were also found in the Rhodesfield area of Kempton Park over the past two months.
Preliminary evidence gathered by the SAPS revealed “deeply concerning similarities” across all five crime scenes, with the bodies of the women discovered half-naked with visible bruising, and dumped within the same immediate vicinity.
Ramaphosa said the deaths had left families and communities devastated and heightened fears, particularly among women.
“I speak for all of us as I extend my deepest condolences to all families and communities affected by the killing of women recently found in and around Kempton Park,” he said.
“These incidents are causing fear and uncertainty in our communities, and especially among women.”
The President said he had spoken to the Minister of Police and the Acting National Police Commissioner, who briefed him on the investigations.
He directed law enforcement agencies to prioritise the cases and urgently establish what happened.
“I have directed that these cases be prioritised and that no stone be left unturned in bringing those responsible to justice,” Ramaphosa said.
He called for cooperation between police and the public, stressing that information from communities could prove crucial in stopping further attacks and identifying those responsible.
The President also reaffirmed the government’s responsibility to protect women and girls, upholding their safety and dignity.
“Our hearts go out to all the families affected by the terrible events in the Kempton Park area, “he said.
SA Police Services (SAPS) are pleading with Ekurhuleni residents to be patient and allow them to do their work as fear grips the area.
SAPS national spokesperson Athlenda Mathe told Fullview that police are intensifying investigations into the murders of six women.
Mathe said acting Minister of Police Firoz Cachalia will today hold a high-level meeting with the acting national commissioner to beef up the team that is investigating the recent murders of women in Ekurhuleni.
She added that the head of Crime Intelligence, Dumisani Khumalo, will be roped in to assist and support the investigations.
Anyone with information about the incidents, or who is missing a relative or friend, is urged to contact Warrant Officer Elvis Manyike on 082 465 7249.
Meanwhile the Democratic Alliance (DA) leader Geordin Hill-Lewis used news of the killings to point out the “failures” of the SAPS, under an African National Congress (ANC) government, to protect citizens.
“We see the human cost of that failure in Ekurhuleni. The discovery of the bodies of six women since July is horrifying. My thoughts are with every family waiting for answers and justice. Women should not have to live in fear of going for a run, walking home or simply moving through their own communities, “Hill-Lewis said.
ActionSA is demanding a “clear plan of action” in finding the person or persons responsible for the killings.
“South Africans are gatvol of watching women being murdered while government responds with statements, condolences and excuses. These are six women whose lives were taken, six families who are now grieving, and a nation demanding answers,” said ActionSA Dereleen James.
The ANC Women’s League (ANCWL) said it was “dismayed” by the continued violence against women, with the discovery of the sixth body.
It called for national budget funding in addressing Gender Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) and further suggested that police stations be repurposed to prioritise GBVF cases.