Deputy President Mashatile: Condemns Kempton Park Women Killings

• Deputy President Paul Mashatile, as Chairperson of the JCPS Cluster Cabinet Committee, strongly condemned the recent killings of women in and around Kempton Park, Gauteng.
• Mashatile extended condolences to the victims' families and expressed solidarity with affected communities nationwide.
• Police revealed the discovery of four women's bodies over two months, followed by two more on September 14 and 15, 2026, and an eighth body announced on Tuesday evening.
• The Deputy President urged law enforcement to collaborate with communities to ensure perpetrators are brought to justice and women and children feel safe.
• Mashatile declared that gender-based violence has no place in communities and called on all men to actively condemn such violence and protect women.

Mashatile unequivocally stated that gender-based violence (GBV) has no place in South African society.

A series of tragic discoveries in Gauteng has brought renewed focus to the pervasive issue of violence against women. Police revealed over a recent weekend that the bodies of four women had been found in the Kempton Park area over approximately two months. This initial disclosure was followed by further alarming reports.

Subsequently, two additional bodies were located in different parts of Ekurhuleni, Gauteng. These discoveries occurred on Monday, September 14, 2026, and on Tuesday morning, September 15, 2026. The grim tally further escalated with the announcement of an eighth body found on Tuesday evening, intensifying public concern and calls for justice.

The escalating number of victims underscores a deeply troubling pattern of violence. These incidents have cast a shadow over the communities in and around Kempton Park, prompting widespread distress and a demand for immediate and decisive action from authorities.

In response to the horrific findings, Deputy President Paul Mashatile issued a strong condemnation of the recent Kempton Park women killings. Speaking on Wednesday, Mashatile, who serves as the Chairperson of the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security (JCPS) Cluster Cabinet Committee, expressed profound sorrow over the loss of life.

The Deputy President conveyed his deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the women who perished under these brutal circumstances. He also extended solidarity to the women and residents of Kempton Park, its surrounding areas, and indeed the entire nation, acknowledging the widespread impact of this devastating news.

Mashatile's statement highlighted the government's grave concern regarding the escalating violence. His condemnation aligns with broader national efforts to address and eradicate gender-based violence, signaling a unified stance from the highest levels of government against such atrocities.

Beyond expressing condolences, Deputy President Mashatile issued a direct appeal to law enforcement agencies. He urged them to intensify their efforts, collaborating closely with relevant stakeholders and local communities to ensure that those responsible for these heinous crimes are apprehended and brought to justice. The ultimate goal, he emphasized, is to restore a sense of safety and security for women and children within their communities.

Mashatile unequivocally stated that gender-based violence (GBV) has no place in South African society. He underscored the critical role of men in combating this scourge, asserting that all men should actively lead in condemning such violence and taking proactive steps to protect women.

This call to action reinforces the government's commitment to tackling GBV, a persistent challenge in the country. The Deputy President's remarks serve as a powerful reminder of the collective responsibility required from both state institutions and individual citizens to create a safer environment for all.

Source: Original reporting via SAnews.gov.za