Women told not to walk alone as Kempton Park murders spark fear

The recent spate of murders in Kempton Park has left women on edge, prompting authorities to advise them not to walk or run alone, especially in isolated areas. This guidance comes as no surprise, given the troubling pattern that women in this country often face from law enforcement and the general public. The message seems to suggest that women bear some responsibility for their safety, a sentiment that echoes the "she-asked-for-it" mentality prevalent in rape cases where clothing is deemed the trigger for the attack.

Action Society national spokesperson, Juanita du Preez, expressed deep concern over the discovery of the women's bodies, revealing that the deaths could be linked to a dangerous repeat offender targeting women. This revelation brings to light the critical issue of South Africa's crumbling forensic DNA system, which has been allowing perpetrators to evade justice for years.

Du Preez pointed out that DNA analysis has identified 486 serial rapists among 10,493 prioritized cases, indicating that nearly one in every 20 cases involves a repeat sexual offender. She warned that if the backlog of unprocessed DNA evidence continues to grow, more women could lose their lives due to this negligence.

While authorities advise women to exercise caution and remain vigilant, it is crucial to remember that a civilized society should not require such warnings. The onus should not be placed on women to avoid specific situations or travel in groups when dealing with threats against their safety. Instead, the nation should prioritize addressing the systemic issues plaguing the justice system, particularly the backlog of unprocessed DNA evidence, to ensure the protection of women and girls.