Organisation gives Kempton police seven days to account for murders

Abahlali BaseMjondolo, a social organisation, has challenged the Kempton Park police to provide a public report within seven days regarding the ongoing investigations into the murders of 11 women in Ekurhuleni since July. The group marched to the Kempton Park Police Station, demanding a comprehensive overview of the status of each investigation.

Lungile Vilakazi, a representative of the organisation, expressed concern that women in Ekurhuleni are being neglected by the very system intended to protect them. Vilakazi highlighted numerous issues, including victims being passed from pillar to post, protection orders not being enforced, missing docket files, and a lack of feedback to the families of the victims.

She also pointed out that police response times in shared settlements are exceptionally low, and women who report incidents often face inadequate protection and are not treated with respect by the police. The organisation reminded that Section 12 of the Constitution guarantees the right to be free from violence, while Section 205 states that the South African Police Service (SAPS) has the duty to prevent crime and protect inhabitants. The police in Ekurhuleni, according to Vilakazi, are failing in their obligations.