MEDIA STATEMENT
SANAC CIVIL SOCIETY FORUM CONDEMNS THE KILLING OF WOMEN IN EKURHULENI
PRETORIA, 17 September 2026 – The Chairperson of the South African National AIDS Council Civil Society Forum (SANAC CSF) and Co-Chairperson of SANAC, Mr. Solly Nduku, strongly condemns the brutal and senseless killing of women in communities across the country.
The recent murders of women in Kempton Park and elsewhere in Ekurhuleni, Gauteng, have once again highlighted the grave and persistent crisis of gender-based violence and femicide in South Africa. Although the circumstances of these cases remain under police investigation, their recurrence underscores the urgent need for coordinated action to protect women and bring those responsible to justice.
The SANAC CSF extends its heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims and calls for swift, thorough investigations that lead to the lawful arrest and prosecution of those responsible.
“Every woman has the right to move through her community, use public transport, work, exercise and participate in public life without fear of violence. We must act collectively and decisively to make that right a reality. We mourn the lives so tragically and cruelly cut short,” said Mr. Nduku.
The SANAC CSF welcomes the establishment of a dedicated multidisciplinary police task team, bringing together specialised detectives and investigative psychology expertise to determine whether the cases are linked and pursue every credible lead. The Forum calls for the task team to be adequately resourced and for law-enforcement authorities to provide timely, verified updates without compromising the integrity of the investigations.
Beyond the immediate investigation and prosecution of these crimes, the SANAC CSF calls for an urgent safety assessment of areas where women may be particularly vulnerable. Led collaboratively by the South African Police Service (SAPS), the City of Ekurhuleni, community policing forums, transport authorities, private security providers and civil-society organisations, the assessment should examine street lighting, surveillance, pedestrian routes, public transport points, poorly monitored spaces, police visibility and access to emergency assistance, and lead to practical measures that reduce risk and improve women’s safety.
These killings are a glaring reminder that South Africa’s gender-based violence and femicide crisis require sustained action beyond individual cases. The SANAC CSF calls for stronger prevention programmes, accessible survivor-centred support, effective policing and prosecution, and meaningful participation by men and boys in ending violence against women.
As a country, our response to these heinous crimes must be unequivocal and met with the full force of the law. However, our response cannot begin only after lives have been lost. We need a sustained and coordinated national effort that prioritises prevention, effective policing and accountability, while creating safer communities where women and girls can live, work and move freely without fear of violence.
The SANAC CSF remains committed to working with government, communities and civil society to advance this collective response and contribute to building safer, more dignified communities for all.
For media interviews, please contact Mr. Karabo Makgato on 083 988 2238 or karabo.m@sanac.org.za
Issued on behalf of SANAC Civil Society Forum (CSF)