‘I won’t stop running’: South African women arm themselves amid killing fears

South African women are arming themselves with pepper spray and knives as they fear for their safety while running, following a series of brutal murders in Johannesburg's East Rand. Nancy Masha, a 39-year-old runner, carries a knife and pepper spray during her daily jogs to protect herself after the murder of fellow runner Elizabeth Moselakgomo.

Moselakgomo, 38, disappeared while jogging on September 9 and was found dead three days later in the same area where eight others were discovered since mid-July. This has sparked vigils, protests, and solidarity runs across the country, with gender-based violence remaining endemic despite government pledges to tackle the issue. The government's 24-hour Gender-Based Violence Command Centre received 6,782 distress calls in the first two weeks of September, a 21-percent increase from August.

Women like Chulumanco Mahamba and Hlompho Matji have cut back on their daily walks and avoid secluded routes, while Babalwa Melitafa runs only within a gated community's sports oval. Despite mixed opinions on carrying weapons, women across South Africa remain determined to continue running without fear. President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed deep sorrow for the women of South Africa, who deserve to walk the streets without fear.