Tyla Criticised for Staying Silent on Ekurhuleni Women Killings Near Her Hometown

• Nine women's bodies were discovered across Ekurhuleni over the past two months, with the latest victim found near a construction site in Dawn Park
• Grammy-winning singer Tyla grew up in Kempton Park on the East Rand, close to where some of the bodies were found, prompting online scrutiny of her silence
• Social media users were divided, with some demanding Tyla use her global platform to speak out and others questioning why public figures are being targeted instead of politicians

South Africa's gender-based violence crisis has reached a fever pitch after nine women were found dead across Ekurhuleni over the past two months, with communities demanding accountability and Grammy-winning singer Tyla unexpectedly pulled into the conversation.

The discovery of the victims, who were reportedly found partially clothed with severe injuries and left in open areas, has sparked urgent calls for stronger police intervention. The most recent body was found dumped near a construction site in Dawn Park. Advocacy organisations, including Women For Change, have raised the alarm about whether a serial killer could be targeting women in the area. Memorial runs and protests have since been held as residents push for concrete government action.

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"We're terrified": SA reacts to US woman speaking up about 9 murdered women in Ekurhuleni area

Tyla criticised for silence amid Ekurhuleni deaths

The killings have hit close to home for Tyla, who grew up in Edleen, Kempton Park, on the East Rand — an area geographically close to where several of the bodies were discovered. As news of the killings circulated online, some social media users began questioning why the pop star continued sharing music promotional content without addressing the tragedy unfolding near her roots.

Critics argued that her standing as one of South Africa's most prominent artists on the global stage carries an expectation to use that visibility to spotlight crises affecting women back home. Others went further, pointing to her international reach as an opportunity to draw global attention to the country's GBV epidemic.

Mzansi reacts after Tyla is criticised

Not everyone agreed that Tyla owed the public a statement. Many users pushed back sharply, pointing fingers at politicians and government officials instead.

@mz_keamo wrote:

"Bored sanna 😒. What is the poor lady supposed to do??? Ramaphosa and bo Fikile are right there."

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@A_POP24 added:

"Like they even forced Grace Mondlana to talk about it."

@IN_GA_1 said:

"Man, Ramaphosa is sick; he doesn't have time with Tyla's haters."

@Abongile_gq made a pointed observation:

"They are tagging everyone and everything from the Springboks to soccer teams, just not the president and politicians at the top."

Nasty C calls out government over GBVF crisis

Meanwhile, Briefly News reported that Nasty C posted a passionate message on Instagram on Friday, 18 September 2026, addressing the ongoing GBVF crisis gripping South Africa.

The rapper pointed fingers at decision-makers in government, saying real change will only come from those in power.

Source: Briefly News