Ekurhuleni killings: South Africa’s President Ramaphosa orders crackdown on unsafe streets to keep women safe

President Cyril Ramaphosa has addressed the nation regarding the recent string of murders in Ekurhuleni, where the bodies of 11 women have been discovered. He stated that gender-based violence could not “be accepted as a normal part of life” and admitted that South Africa had “not done enough” to protect women and girls.

There has understandably been widespread fear that the discovery of these women in close proximity could indicate the work of a single perpetrator. At present, the police have not found evidence establishing that these killings were committed by a single perpetrator.

The President confirmed that four arrests have been made in connection with the ongoing investigations as authorities work to secure the streets and bring those responsible to justice.