President Cyril Ramaphosa has described the killing and abuse of women in South Africa as “inhuman”, saying the country must do more to prevent violence against women and bring those responsible to justice.
His remarks came as the investigation into a series of women’s deaths in Gauteng was elevated to the highest level of national law enforcement coordination.
The President said every victim represented a daughter, mother, sister or friend whose life had value, while acknowledging the grief experienced by families and communities.
Specialised Police Investigation Moves to National Level
A multidisciplinary investigation has now been placed under the coordination of the Deputy National Commissioner for Detective Services.
The team brings together detectives, crime intelligence officers, forensic specialists, investigative psychologists and digital investigators, among other specialised capabilities.
The move follows an earlier directive for the killings to receive the highest level of attention from government and law enforcement agencies. Government had already established a specialised team to work on the cases.
Police Are Pursuing Multiple Lines of Inquiry
Authorities have not established that all of the killings were carried out by one person.
Ramaphosa said there is widespread concern that the discovery of several bodies in the same broad area could point to a single perpetrator, but police have not found evidence confirming that theory.
“All possibilities remain under investigation,” the President said.
SAPS has previously acknowledged similarities in some of the cases while stressing that investigators had not confirmed that the deaths were connected.
Arrests and Forensic Evidence Form Part of the Probe
Investigators have already made arrests in some of the cases.
Ramaphosa said a suspect was arrested in connection with the killing of Ntombifuthi Nxumalo after her body was discovered, while two suspects have appeared in court in connection with the death of Jabulile Ntimba.
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the murder of Busisiwe Mahlangu.
In the remaining cases, investigators have identified persons of interest and gathered evidence including DNA, blood samples, clothing, mobile phones and cellphone records.
CSIR Assists With Digital Forensics
The investigation is also drawing on technical expertise outside conventional policing.
Ramaphosa said the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research is assisting investigators with digital forensic work.
The use of specialised digital and forensic capabilities forms part of the broader effort to establish what happened in each case and determine whether evidence links any of the incidents.
Government Says More Must Be Done
Ramaphosa acknowledged that existing efforts to prevent violence against women have not been sufficient.
He said government needed to improve its response while society also had to confront the attitudes and behaviour that allow violence against women to continue.
The President said the killings were receiving attention at the highest levels of government and law enforcement.
The government has also increased police visibility in Ekurhuleni through an expanded Operation Shanela, while municipal authorities have been involved in measures aimed at improving safety in public spaces.
Victims Remembered by Name
In his address, Ramaphosa paid tribute to women whose deaths have devastated families and communities.
Among those named were Busisiwe Mahlangu, Itumeleng Kekana, Nomfesane Mjobo, Gracious Nkomo, Elizabeth Moselakgomo, Dineo Motapane, Jabulile Ntimba and Ntombifuthi Nxumalo.
He also remembered women and girls killed in other parts of the country, including 10-year-old Octavia Swarts of Kraaifontein, as well as Nomakhwezi Zitha, Taymin Platt, Josephine Tshabalala and Siyavuya Mlunguza.
Other victims mentioned included Mariette Mouton, Christina Nyalungu, Sibongile Mdali, 15-year-old Amogelang Motshwaedi, Pinky Shelembe, Ntombizana Mbanjwa and Amanda Kosani.
The President said the names represent only some of the women and girls who have lost their lives in recent weeks.
National Anger Over Violence Against Women
Ramaphosa said the deaths had caused profound pain and described the anger expressed by women and communities as justified.
Speaking as a husband and father of daughters as well as the country’s President, he called on men not to look away from violence against women.
The President’s remarks come amid growing national attention on gender-based violence and femicide, following the discovery of multiple bodies in Ekurhuleni and renewed calls for stronger action.
Investigators Continue Searching for Answers
The investigation now combines national-level policing coordination with forensic, psychological and digital expertise.
While arrests have been made in several cases, authorities have not yet established whether the deaths are connected.
Police have urged anyone with information that could assist investigators to come forward, while government continues to call for cooperation between law enforcement, communities and other institutions.
The central focus remains establishing the circumstances surrounding each death, identifying those responsible and bringing cases before the courts.
