JOHANNESBURG — Communities across South Africa have come together in grief and protest following the deaths of nine women whose bodies were discovered in the Ekurhuleni area, east of Johannesburg, over the past two months. The killings have renewed concerns about gender-based violence and the safety of women in public and private spaces.
Authorities are investigating whether some or all of the deaths are connected. Most of the victims were reportedly women in their 20s and 30s, while some of the bodies showed signs consistent with sexual assault. The investigation has prompted fresh calls for stronger policing, accountability and better protection for women.
Memorial Run Honors Woman Who Disappeared While Jogging
A memorial run was held in Johannesburg on Saturday to remember Elizabeth Moselakgomo, one of the victims whose disappearance began a wider investigation. Moselakgomo had gone out for a run before she disappeared and was later found dead.
Dozens of runners dressed in black gathered to honour her memory. Participants also lit candles and carried messages calling for an end to femicide, turning the event into both a tribute and a public demonstration.
For members of the running community, her death has heightened fears about personal safety while exercising outdoors. Participants said women should be able to run, walk, work and travel without having to constantly worry about becoming victims of violence.
The events have also highlighted concerns that women are being asked to take greater personal precautions instead of addressing broader failures in public safety and law enforcement.
South Africans Demand Stronger Action on Gender-Based Violence
The deaths have reignited national anger over violence against women. South Africa declared gender-based violence and femicide a national disaster in 2025, but activists and community groups continue to demand more effective measures to prevent attacks and ensure that cases are properly investigated.
President Cyril Ramaphosa said the country must not become accustomed to violence against women and pledged that investigators would pursue the cases thoroughly.
Activists, meanwhile, have raised concerns about policing capacity, including allegations of corruption and shortages of resources. Campaigners have called for improved investigations, stronger police visibility and greater accountability across the criminal justice system.
The issue has prompted memorial events beyond Johannesburg, including a gathering in Cape Town. Activists there have also called for changes to policing and stronger action against gender-based violence.
Investigation Continues as Pressure Builds
Police are examining possible connections between the cases and have increased their presence in affected areas. Authorities have also appealed to families with missing relatives to come forward as efforts continue to identify victims and establish what happened.
The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities have not established publicly that all nine deaths were caused by the same perpetrator.
For campaigners and affected communities, however, the deaths have become another reminder of the risks many women face across South Africa. Memorial runs, vigils and demonstrations are now serving not only as expressions of grief but also as calls for safer communities and more effective action against violence against women.
As investigators continue working to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths, families and activists are demanding answers, justice and meaningful measures to prevent further loss of life.
