President Cyril Ramaphosa to address nation on Ekurhuleni murders; South Africans demand action

President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced new measures Tuesday to combat gender-based violence following the killing of at least 11 women in Ekurhuleni, east of Johannesburg, since July.

Ramaphosa also ordered police and the National Prosecuting Authority to review within 90 days unresolved cases involving murders, attempted murders, rapes and other gender-based violence cases, he said in a televised national address on Tuesday.

The recent spate of killings in Ekurhuleni has frightened residents, particularly after the 11th victim’s body was discovered Sunday. The area remains on high alert while authorities investigate whether a serial killer or killers are responsible.

Ramaphosa said four suspects have been arrested.

Women change their routes home, avoid going out at night and warn one another about dangerous places and dangerous men. We have placed the burden of male violence on women.

He said a high-level investigating team had been assigned to investigate the Ekurhuleni killings.