ANC Condemns Spate of Women’s Murders in Ekurhuleni As SA Slams Party’s Response to GBV
- The African National Congress issued a statement condemning a series of brutal murders of women in the Ekurhuleni area
- Police are investigating seven killings within two months, with victims found partially dressed and some sexually assaulted
- South Africans responded with anger, dismissing the statement as performative ahead of the 4 November elections
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Byron Pillay, a Briefly News journalist, has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He worked as a newspaper journalist for 10 years before transitioning to online.
GAUTENG — The African National Congress has condemned a string of murders targeting women in Kempton Park and the broader Ekurhuleni area.
The party released a statement on Tuesday, 15 September 2026, calling on police to urgently investigate and bring those responsible to justice. It comes as police investigate seven murders in the Ekurhuleni area over two months.
Each victim was found partially dressed, and some were sexually assaulted, raising fears of a serial killer operating in the region.
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ANC calls for urgent police action
In its statement, the party extended condolences to the families of the victims and urged law-enforcement agencies to mobilise investigative resources, share information across departments, and pursue every available lead.
The statement also called on communities to assist investigators while ensuring the safety of those who come forward.
"There can be no room for complacency, unnecessary delays or investigations that lose momentum," the statement read.
"Justice delayed is justice denied to grieving families."
The ANC further stated that the national response must extend beyond condemnation, calling for sustained efforts across prevention, policing, survivor support, prosecution, and accountability.
South Africans express anger online
The statement drew swift backlash on social media, with users across the platform rejecting the party's response as inadequate.
@njmaseko16 wrote:
"This country is tired of your condolences and statements. What we need is proper leadership and action, not PR. We did it in 2021, and we will do it again. We are boycotting the November 4 elections until you take women's lives seriously."
@Botstown09 added:
"It's important to note that releasing statements and not doing immense work to fight against this type of challenge is not gonna work. Serious initiatives are needed; we can't continue like this is the norm in this country."
@MbhazimawaGaza said:
"The ANC created this mess. You failed women and children ever since you acquired power. On the 4th of November, we want to separate rotten tomatoes from good ones."
@Pale_Pale18 wrote:
"That's all you do. Condemn. You're part of the problem!"
@GamsahabnidaL stated:
"Don't bore us with useless statements. How about you do your jobs and stop this massacre of women."
@Skii_macs directed blame elsewhere, writing:
"The illegal foreigners you spineless politicians are protecting are the ones doing this…. The blood of all these women is in the hands of people like you, Mr Fiks."
Criminologist weighs in on possibility of a serial killer
Briefly News reported that criminologist Professor Nirmala Gopal weighed in on the murders in Kempton Park.
Professor Gopal said that the pattern of killings involving the four women was consistent with the work of a single perpetrator.
The police have urged caution against drawing premature conclusions, as the community has been gripped by fear.
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Source: Briefly News
