President Ramaphosa Breaks Silence on Kempton Park Women Killings, Vows Justice
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- President Cyril Ramaphosa released a statement after six women's bodies were discovered in and around Kempton Park in Ekurhuleni
- The case gained widespread attention after missing runner Elizabeth Moselakgomo's disappearance revealed a pattern of women found dead along the R21
- South Africans had been calling on leadership to speak out and prioritise GBV after days without any response from the presidency
Source: Getty Images
SOUTH AFRICA - President Cyril Ramaphosa has finally spoken out about the killings of multiple women in and around Kempton Park, Gauteng. The statement came after days of growing outrage, with South Africans questioning the apparent silence from the Presidency following the string of disturbing discoveries.
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The case drew national attention when the disappearance of runner Elizabeth “Tsontso” Moselakgomo. brought to light three earlier discoveries of women's bodies along the R21 in Kempton Park, found between July and August.
A fifth body was then discovered, and later a sixth, with the presidency issuing no public response during that period. Women across the country began demanding to know where their leaders were.
Ramaphosa addresses the nation
Ramaphosa said he spoke for all South Africans as he extended his condolences to the families and communities touched by the tragedy.
"These incidents are causing fear and uncertainty in our communities, and especially among women," he said in his statement.
He confirmed he had personally engaged the Minister of Police and the Acting National Police Commissioner, who briefed him on the progress of investigations. He said he had directed that these cases be treated as a priority.
"No stone will be left unturned in bringing those responsible to justice," he said.
The president also called on citizens to play their part, noting that law enforcement agencies were working alongside communities and depending on the public for any information that could help stop further attacks.
GBV concerns come to the fore
Ramaphosa acknowledged the weight of what had happened and the broader fear it had created.
"As a nation, we must stand up for the rights, safety and dignity of women and girls," he said, adding that his heart went out to all families affected by the killings.
The statement arrived amid renewed calls from South African women's groups and ordinary citizens for government to treat gender-based violence as the crisis it has long been described as. For many, the days of silence before the presidency responded only deepened that frustration.
Police Minister speaks on killings
Briefly News also reported that Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia said more than one person may be behind the killings. He is expected to meet top cop General Puleng Dimpane to discuss the evidence gathered following the discovery of five women in Kempton Park, Ekurhuleni, recently. In a statement the South African Police Service shared, Cachalia, who recently visited China on a working trip, conveyed his condolences to the families of the victims. He also expressed deep concern about gender-based violence in the country.
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Source: Briefly News
