Ramaphosa: Ekurhuleni Femicide Investigation Will Not Be Neglected

• President Ramaphosa has pledged that the investigations into the murders of women in Ekurhuleni will be thoroughly pursued.
• The discovery of a recent body in Springs brought the total to 11 women found deceased in Ekurhuleni since July.
• Gender-based violence and femicide was declared a national disaster last year, leading to reprioritized resources and strengthened coordination.
• The National Council on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide is now operational, tasked with coordinating the national response.
• Legal reforms have been implemented to tighten bail conditions for perpetrators of gender-based violence and domestic abuse.

The government is actively working to prevent violence before it occurs, recognizing that policing alone cannot resolve the complex issue of gender-based violence.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has provided a firm assurance to the families of women tragically murdered in Ekurhuleni, Gauteng, pledging that their cases will not be neglected. Speaking on Tuesday evening, the President confirmed the state's full commitment to deploying all available resources and capabilities to thoroughly investigate these crimes, identify those responsible, and bring them to justice. This commitment comes as the nation grapples with the disturbing discovery of multiple bodies in and around the Ekurhuleni region.

The recent finding of another woman's body in Springs on Sunday escalated the total number of women found deceased in Ekurhuleni to eleven since July. This series of grim discoveries has deeply shaken the country, prompting President Ramaphosa to address the nation directly regarding the ongoing Ekurhuleni women murders update. He emphasized that while the government will keep the public informed about the progress of the Ramaphosa Ekurhuleni femicide investigation, this will be done without jeopardizing the integrity of the inquiries or infringing upon the rights of any individuals involved.

Beyond the immediate response to the Ekurhuleni tragedies, President Ramaphosa highlighted the broader national effort to combat gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF). Following its classification as a South Africa GBVF national disaster last year, the government has undertaken a significant reprioritization of resources and enhanced coordination across the criminal justice system, alongside strengthening survivor-support services. This strategic shift aims to create a more unified and effective national response to the pervasive issue of violence against women.

A cornerstone of this national strategy is the operational National Council on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide. This Council bears the critical responsibility of coordinating and driving the comprehensive national response to GBVF. Its inaugural Board meeting was convened in Pretoria in August 2026, marking a significant step in formalizing the multi-sectoral approach to this crisis. The government's determination extends to ensuring that attention and resources are directed to all parts of the country where women face the threat of gender-based violence.

In a concerted effort to bolster the fight against GBVF, the government is implementing several key reforms within the legal and support sectors. Resources have been specifically allocated to enhance the capabilities of the Family Violence Child Protection Sexual Offences Units, crucial specialized divisions within the police force. Further financial commitments are anticipated, with the Minister of Finance scheduled to allocate additional resources in the Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement on October 21, 2026.

Significant legislative changes have been implemented, including the tightening of GBV bail law in South Africa, making it considerably more difficult for perpetrators of gender-based violence and domestic abuse to secure release. Complementing these legal adjustments, the government is expanding Sexual Offences Courts and reinforcing the processing of DNA and forensic evidence. Essential support services for survivors are also being scaled up, with Thuthuzela Care Centres continuing to offer vital medical, forensic, counselling, and legal assistance, while shelter services are also undergoing expansion. Police stations nationwide have established Victim Friendly Services and dedicated GBV desks, and officers consistently receive proactive training on issues related to gender-based violence.

President Ramaphosa issued a direct appeal to the public, urging community members to come forward with any information they possess. He stressed the importance of reporting anything suspicious immediately, noting that "hours matter, information matters, a photograph matters, a vehicle registration number matters." Even seemingly insignificant details, such as a message, a telephone call, or an observation, could provide crucial clues for investigators.

The President underscored that while increased police visibility and operations in Ekurhuleni will continue as long as necessary, the crisis of gender-based violence cannot be resolved through policing or arrests alone. The government is actively working to prevent violence before it occurs, recognizing that policing alone cannot resolve the complex issue of gender-based violence. This proactive approach acknowledges the courage of women who report abuse and aims to create a society where such violence is eradicated.

Lawyers practicing criminal law, especially those handling gender-based violence (GBV) cases, should note the government's commitment to strengthening enforcement and tightening bail laws for perpetrators, which could impact defense strategies and case outcomes. Compliance officers should monitor the operationalization and directives of the National Council on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide as it coordinates the national response to GBVF.

Source: Information derived from official government reports.