Story perspectives

Ramaphosa Orders Police to Prioritize Women’s Killings East of Joburg

By Drooid · Sep 15, 2026, 10:45 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

President Cyril Ramaphosa ordered police to prioritize investigations of women’s killings east of Johannesburg.
Police discovered at least seven women’s bodies in Ekurhuleni municipality over the past two months.
The 38-year-old jogger Elizabeth “Tsontso” Moselakgomo was found half-naked behind a hotel on September 12.
Acting police minister Firoz Cachalia urged intensified investigations.
Commission for Gender Equality called for a safety audit of lighting, surveillance and police visibility in affected areas.

History

Historical Context

In 1997, South Africa inaugurated the Commission for Gender Equality, mandated by the post-apartheid Constitution to monitor women’s rights. The inaugural board comprised twelve members, including former activist Mamphela Ramphele, and received a R150 million budget to fund nationwide gender audits. Today, President Cyril Ramaphosa’s directive to SAPS in Ekurhuleni echoes the CGE’s original mandate, demanding intensified investigations of femicide spikes. If the commission’s early warning system proves effective, South Africa could reduce the 2023-2024 tally of over 200 gender-based murders within a decade.

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Story summary

President Cyril Ramaphosa ordered police to prioritize investigations of women’s killings east of Johannesburg.
Police discovered at least seven women’s bodies in Ekurhuleni municipality over the past two months.
The 38-year-old jogger Elizabeth “Tsontso” Moselakgomo was found half-naked behind a hotel on September 12.
Acting police minister Firoz Cachalia urged intensified investigations.
Commission for Gender Equality called for a safety audit of lighting, surveillance and police visibility in affected areas.

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