Government approves emergency strategy over Ekurhuleni women’s killings

Government has approved a comprehensive emergency strategy aimed at accelerating the investigation into the killings of nine women in Ekurhuleni.

Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Sindisiwe Chikunga announced the decision after the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide considered recommendations from the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure.

The plan covers prevention and social cohesion, law enforcement, protection and justice, and support for victims and survivors. A multidisciplinary specialised investigation team will now be coordinated by the Deputy National Commissioner for Detective Services.

One woman has not been linked to a missing-person case

Chikunga said one of the nine recovered bodies had not been linked to a reported missing-person case. Government urged families to check on female relatives in and around Kempton Park, Kwa-Thema and Tembisa.

There is no requirement to wait 24 hours before reporting someone missing. Families should provide police with a recent photograph, a description, last-seen details and any other information that may help investigators.

Police have not publicly concluded that all nine deaths are connected or confirmed the involvement of a serial killer. The investigation remains active.

Information can be given to Warrant Officer Elvis Manyike on 082 465 7249 or Crime Stop on 08600 10111. Government asked the public to report information directly to police instead of circulating unverified allegations, graphic images or victims’ personal details online.

The Department of Social Development has begun providing psychosocial support to identified victims’ families. The Gender-Based Violence Command Centre can be reached on 0800 428 428, by sending a Please Call Me to *120*7867#, or by SMSing HELP to 31531.