South Africa announces measures to tackle violence against women after series of killings

Johannesburg (AP) — South African President Cyril Ramaphosa announced new measures Tuesday to address gender-based violence following the deaths of at least 11 women in the Ekurhuleni area, east of Johannesburg, since July. The president's televised address came after the discovery of the 11th victim's body on Sunday, prompting increased security measures in the region.

Key initiatives include an audit of women's safety to be completed within 60 days, which will compel local authorities to identify dangerous and high-risk areas. This effort also requires police and the National Prosecuting Authority to review unresolved cases involving murders, attempted murders, rapes, and other gender-based violence incidents within 90 days.

Ramaphosa disclosed that four suspects have already been apprehended, but noted that police have identified persons of interest and collected forensic evidence, although a link between the recent killings has not been confirmed.

President Ramaphosa emphasized that these measures are essential, stating, "This cannot be accepted as a normal part of life in South Africa. We must confront an uncomfortable truth. What we have done has not been enough." He called on men to take a leading role in combating gender-based violence, acknowledging that most victims know their attackers. According to a 2022 study by a South African think tank, over 35% of adult women in the country have experienced physical or sexual violence.

South Africa's overall homicide rate has risen to 5,427 from April to July, with its femicide rate among the highest globally, according to UN Women. The president has appointed a high-level investigative team to examine the Ekurhuleni killings.