Mashatile condemns killings of women in East Rand

Deputy President Paul Mashatile has strongly condemned the recent killings of women in and around Kempton Park on Gauteng’s East Rand.

Mashatile, who chairs the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security (JCPS) Cluster Cabinet Committee, expressed his condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims.

“I join President Cyril Ramaphosa and all South Africans in extending deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the women who have lost their lives under these horrific circumstances,” Mashatile said in a statement on Wednesday.

He also expressed solidarity with women and residents of Kempton Park, surrounding areas and communities across the country affected by the killings.

Mashatile urged law enforcement agencies to continue working with relevant stakeholders and communities to ensure that those responsible for the crimes are arrested and brought to book.

He said efforts must also be intensified to ensure that women and children feel safe in their communities.

“Gender-based violence (GBV) has no place in our communities, and all men should be in the forefront condemning such violence and protecting women,” he said.

The Deputy President’s statement comes amid growing concern over the deaths of women in the Kempton Park area.

Mashatile called for continued collective action against gender-based violence, using the hashtags #EndGBV, #SayNoToGBV and #EnoughIsEnough.