President Cyril Ramaphosa on Tuesday issued assurances to the public that the recent spate of murders of women in the East Rand area, in Gauteng, will be prioritised as a seventh body was revealed by police, this time in Clayville, a few hours after the discovery of a sixth body in Springs.

On Monday, the South African Police Service (SAPS) issued an urgent safety warning to women in and around Kempton Park, following the discovery of five women's bodies over a period of about two months. 

Preliminary evidence gathered by the SAPS revealed “deeply concerning similarities” across all five crime scenes, with the bodies of the women discovered half-naked with visible bruising, and dumped within the same immediate vicinity.

While SAPS has stopped short of officially declaring the presence of a serial killer, authorities admit the striking similarities are sufficiently alarming to warrant immediate public mobilisation and an intensified criminal investigation.

The body of Elizabeth Tsontso Moselakgomo was identified by her family on Monday, after she went missing last week while on a run near her home in Rhodesfield.

In a statement, Ramaphosa said government shared the heightened concerns of South Africans following the spate of murders.

“I speak for all of us as I extend my deepest condolences to the family of Elizabeth Tsontso Moselakgomo and to all families and communities affected by the killing of women recently found in and around Kempton Park. These incidents are causing fear and uncertainty in our communities, and especially among women. Our law enforcement agencies are working urgently to establish the facts, keep communities safe and bring the perpetrator or perpetrators to justice,” the President assured.

He was briefed on the investigation by the Police Minister and the acting National Police Commissioner, and said he had asked that these cases be prioritised.

“…and that no stone be left unturned in bringing those responsible to justice. Our law enforcement agencies are undertaking this work in partnership with citizens, on whom we depend for any information that may help end these attacks on women,” Ramaphosa stated.

DEATH PENALTY AND CASTRATION

As he called on South Africans to respect the rights of women and girls and ensure their safety, the ANC’s Women’s League (ANCWL) said it was “dismayed” by the continued violence against women.

It called for national budget funding in addressing gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) and further suggested that police stations be repurposed to prioritise GBVF cases.

Another demand includes a debate on the reintroduction of the death penalty and castration to deter certain crimes.

“These measures must be publicly ventilated and critically examined as part of a comprehensive strategy to combat and prevent GBVF. It is imperative that we pursue a decisive firm stance against those who believe they can commit these heinous acts with impunity. The safety and dignity of all citizens must be prioritised through action, accountability, and decisive policy implementation,” the ANCWL stated.

ELECTIONS AND ACTION PLAN

DA leader Geordin Hill-Lewis used news of the killings to point out the “failures” of the SAPS, under an ANC government, to protect citizens.

“We see the human cost of that failure in Ekurhuleni. The discovery of the bodies of six women since July is horrifying. My thoughts are with every family waiting for answers and justice. Women should not have to live in fear of going for a run, walking home or simply moving through their own communities,” Hill-Lewis said.

In electioneering mode, he promised that DA Ekurhuleni mayoral candidate Khathutshelo Rasilingwane will act to improve the metro police service, visible policing, lighting and surveillance and improve relationships with SAPS and communities.

He said the November elections will present Ekurhuleni with a “clear choice”.

“Ekurhuleni can be safer. I believe women can reclaim the freedom to move through their communities without fear. And I believe South Africans can once again have confidence that government is on their side,” Hill-Lewis stated.

He punted a DA-led government, arguing that the ANC and its coalition partners in the municipality have created instability.

Hill-Lewis promised improved public spaces, policing and investigations under a DA government in Ekurhuleni.

Meanwhile, ActionSA is demanding a "clear plan of action" in finding the person or persons responsible for the killings. 

"South Africans are gatvol of watching women being murdered while government responds with statements, condolences and excuses. These are six women whose lives were taken, six families who are now grieving, and a nation demanding answers," said ActionSA MP Dereleen James.

The party is demanding that the Minister of Police and the National Commissioner answer on what progress has been made in apprehending the perpetrators and what resources are being used in the investigation.

The party said it will mobilise peaceful protests that demand action in the matter. 

"We will not accept a government that expects families to bury their loved ones while criminals remain free," James said.