The Gauteng Provincial Legislature’s Multi-Party Women’s Caucus (MPWC) expresses deep concern over the discovery of several women’s bodies in and around Ekurhuleni and extends its heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims.
While investigations are ongoing, these incidents have heightened concerns about the safety of women and underscore the urgent need for stronger action to prevent Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF).
Every woman has the right to feel safe in her environment. Women should be able to take a walk, go for a run, use public spaces and move freely within their communities without fear of violence or harm. Creating safe environments for women is a fundamental responsibility of society and a measure of the wellbeing of our communities.
The MPWC calls for increased police visibility in vulnerable areas, swift responses to missing persons cases, stronger community policing initiatives and closer collaboration between law enforcement, municipalities, civil society and communities to improve the safety of women.
The Caucus emphasises that responsibility for violence lies with perpetrators, not victims. Protecting women requires prevention, effective policing, accountability and a collective commitment from all sectors of society to end violence against women.
Women’s safety is not negotiable. The MPWC will continue to advocate for stronger GBVF prevention measures and policies that place the dignity, safety and rights of women at the centre of public action. The Caucus stands in solidarity with the victims’ families and all women affected by GBVF and calls on society to work together to ensure that women can live, work and move freely without fear.