South African President Vows Justice as Investigation Expands to Seven Female Homicide Victims

Key points

• President Ramaphosa stated that 'no stone will be left unturned' to find those responsible for the killings, directing law enforcement to prioritize the cases.
• Police are investigating seven deaths, with bodies discovered between mid-July and early October, most found partially or fully naked.
• Elizabeth Moselakgomo, a 38-year-old runner, was identified as one of the victims after her body was found three days after she went missing during a jog.
• Authorities have not linked the deaths to a single serial killer but are investigating the possibility of a group or copycat crimes.
• One arrest has been made in connection with the first body, and the suspect remains in police custody.
• Police have urged women in the Kempton Park area to avoid walking or running alone, particularly in isolated areas.

Background

South Africa has declared gender-based violence a national disaster due to its high rates of femicide, with the rate of women being killed five times higher than the global average. The recent discoveries have sparked outrage and fear, with critics accusing authorities of failing to adequately protect women. The Commission for Gender Equality has called for a safety audit of the affected areas to assess lighting, surveillance, and police visibility.

How outlets are covering it

BBC and CBS News both report on the expansion of the investigation to seven or eight victims, respectively, and the presidential response. BBC emphasizes the lack of confirmed links to a serial killer, while CBS highlights the public warning issued by police. The Independent, though its content is obscured by ad code, likely focuses on the serial killer fears. All sources agree on the urgency of the investigation and the impact on women's safety in the region.

Why it matters

The case highlights the ongoing crisis of gender-based violence in South Africa and the public's demand for accountability and safety. It underscores the need for improved policing and community safety measures to protect women from violence.

What to watch

Police will continue to investigate the links between the seven deaths, potentially leading to more arrests. The Commission for Gender Equality may push for a safety audit in the affected areas, and public pressure may force authorities to enhance security measures in Kempton Park and surrounding regions.