US State Department Criticises SA Government After Nine Women Killed in Ekurhuleni in Two Months

• The United States of America's State Department weighed in on the recent spate of murders in Ekurhuleni, South Africa
• The bodies of nine women were recovered across at least four locations in Ekurhuleni in the space of two months
• South Africans weighed in on the news, with many questioning why Washington was worried about South Africa

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.

WASHINGTON, DC — The United States State Department has publicly criticised the South African government's handling of crime after nine women were found dead across Ekurhuleni, east of Johannesburg, within nine weeks.

The accusations came in response to questions from IOL about the string of killings, which investigators are still working to connect to one another.

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Nine women have been found murdered across Ekurhuleni within two months, with the bodies dumped either on the side of roads or near and sometimes in rivers. The bodies were recovered in at least four locations: five in Kempton Park, two in Olifantsfontein, one in KwaThema, and one in Dawn Park.

All nine victims were found partially dressed, and some bore signs of sexual assault. Some have been positively identified by family members or friends.

How did the US State Department respond?

In response to the questions, the US State Department expressed shock over the murders.

"The US is concerned by rising crime in SA and the lack of desire from the government to adequately address it," a State Department spokesperson said.

"We are deeply saddened by reports of these deaths, and our thoughts are with the victims' families and affected communities," the spokesperson added.

The spokesperson also confirmed that its travel advisory for South Africa remained at Level 2, which advises American citizens to exercise increased caution when visiting the country.

South Africans push back at US criticism

The State Department's comments drew a sharp response from South Africans on social media, many of whom questioned Washington's standing to weigh in on the matter.

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Bakithi Scott Ngcampalala wrote:

"You'd swear the US is now our province."

Sphiwe Mavundle said:

"Took them 32 years to solve 2pac's case abathule nje labo."

Joey Du Preez remarked:

"The US is like those Aunties in our street who are in everybody's business"

Karabo Moyo asked:

"My question is, why is the US so obsessed ka SA?"

Queen Gladys responded:

"They forgot Ted Bundy and Jeffrey Dahmer? Must I go on? 🙄"

Vukile Mavula questioned:

"Are we married in community of property with the United States of America or what?"

Minister tells South African men to stop murdering women

Briefly News reported that Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga addressed South African men directly at a government memorial in Ekurhuleni.

The memorial was held to mourn nine women killed in a wave of gender-based violence within the space of two months.

Chikunga's remarks that South African men are responsible prompted fierce online pushback, with many rejecting her framing of the crisis.

Source: Briefly News