Thursday, October 1, 2026 - South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced new measures to tackle gender-based violence and femicide following the deaths of at least 11 women in Ekurhuleni since July.
The government has ordered a national review of unresolved murders, attempted murders, rapes and serious sexual offences involving women and children, with priority cases to be identified and recovery plans developed.
The measures include a 60-day audit of unresolved cases and a funded plan to reduce forensic backlogs, with priority forensic evidence in rape and murder cases involving women and children to receive urgent attention.
Municipalities have also been directed to conduct women's safety audits, identifying dangerous areas such as poorly lit streets, abandoned buildings and other public spaces that may put women at risk.
The latest killings have renewed public concern over South Africa's long-running gender-based violence crisis. Police have made arrests in connection with some of the Ekurhuleni killings, but investigators have not confirmed that the deaths are linked to a serial killer.
Ramaphosa has called for stronger action, while the government now faces pressure to ensure the announced measures translate into faster investigations, safer public spaces and better protection for women and children.
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