Ramaphosa orders 60-day probe into unresolved murders, rapes involving women and children

President Cyril Ramaphosa announced a 60-day investigation into unresolved cases of murder, attempted murder, rape, and sexual offenses against women and children. The probe will identify the number of such cases, their ages, and any delays in forensic evidence, arrests, or prosecutorial action. Within 90 days, individual recovery plans for priority cases must be developed, specifying outstanding work and deadlines.

A separate 60-day plan is also required to reduce forensic backlogs, with priority given to samples and cases involving the rape or murder of women and children. Municipalities are tasked with conducting women's safety audits to identify hazards such as broken streetlights, overgrown public spaces, and unsafe transport routes within 60 days. The audits aim to address environmental risks and improve community safety.