Ramaphosa vows action after nine women found dead in Ekurhuleni

President Cyril Ramaphosa has assured families mourning the deaths of their loved ones that the nation stands with them following the discovery of nine women’s bodies in Ekurhuleni.

The President’s message was delivered by Acting Police Minister Professor Firoz Cachalia during a Memorial Dialogue against Gender-Based Violence and Femicide at the Civic Centre in Kempton Park on Thursday.

His message came after police discovered the body of a ninth woman in Dawn Park, Boksburg, earlier on Thursday. This follows the discovery of eight other bodies in Ekurhuleni over the past two months.

Ramaphosa said some of the victims had not yet been identified, leaving families waiting for answers about what happened to their loved ones.

“They had hopes and dreams. They had plans for their lives. They had families and friends who expected them to return home. Each of them had a name, a story and people who loved them,” he said.

The President extended his condolences to the families and friends of the women, saying their loss had brought fear and uncertainty to communities.

“We mourn with you. Your loss is our loss,” he said.

Ramaphosa said the government was determined to act urgently to solve the killings and bring those responsible to justice.

He said he had directed that no stone be left unturned and that all available resources, including surveillance technology, be used to track down the perpetrators.

“The South African Police Service, working together with all relevant State bodies, has dedicated personnel and resources to these cases,” he said.

Ramaphosa also urged members of the public with information about the deaths to come forward and assist investigators.

“Information from members of the public can help solve these crimes. It can help bring answers to grieving families, and it can help prevent another woman from becoming a victim,” he said.

He said the killing of women could not be treated as something that happened to “other people”.

“Behind every statistic is a human life. Behind every name is a family. A mother. A sister,” Ramaphosa said.

He called on South Africans to stand up for the rights, safety and dignity of women and girls in homes, streets and workplaces.