The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) Gauteng is deeply disturbed by the killing of women in and around Ekurhuleni and expresses its condolences to the families and communities affected by these tragic deaths.

The discovery of the bodies of eight women in Ekurhuleni over the past two months has created fear and anger in our communities. Police have identified concerning similarities between some of the cases and have established a dedicated multidisciplinary task team to investigate whether the deaths are connected.

COSATU Gauteng welcomes the decision by the South African Police Service to bring in specialised investigators. However, we call for this investigation to be handled with the highest level of urgency, professionalism and transparency. The families of the victims deserve answers, and the community deserves to know what is happening.

We note that police have not confirmed that the killings are the work of a serial killer. We therefore caution against spreading unverified information. At the same time, the similarities between the cases and the latest discovery of another woman’s body cannot simply be ignored. Every possible connection must be investigated until the truth is established.

COSATU Gauteng sees these killings as part of the wider crisis of gender-based violence and violence against women in South Africa.

Working-class women are often forced to travel long distances to work, walk to public transport, use unsafe taxi ranks and stations, and move through poorly lit and isolated areas because of limited and expensive transport options.

Women should not have to live in fear simply because they are going to work, exercising, travelling home or taking care of their families.

The responsibility for women’s safety cannot be placed only on women. Telling women not to walk alone is not enough. We need safer communities, effective policing, proper street lighting, reliable public transport and a justice system that ensures perpetrators are arrested and prosecuted.

COSATU Gauteng calls on SAPS to increase visible policing and patrols in Ekurhuleni and other areas where women are vulnerable. Make greater use of specialised detectives, forensic investigators and investigative psychology. Keep families informed about the progress of investigations. Act quickly on information provided by residents, motorists, security officers and other witnesses.

SAPS has appealed to members of the public with information to come forward and has provided an investigating officer’s contact number as well as the MySAPS platform for anonymous information.

COSATU Gauteng also calls on the Gauteng Provincial Government and municipalities to improve conditions that contribute to unsafe communities.

There must be adequate street lighting, functioning CCTV where appropriate, safe public transport facilities, maintained public spaces and effective cooperation between SAPS, municipalities, community policing forums and local communities.

Crime prevention cannot only begin after a woman has been murdered. Government must identify dangerous areas and take action before people become victims.

COSATU Gauteng believes that every woman has the right to live, work, travel and exercise without fear of being attacked or killed.

We reject a society where women are expected to change their behaviour because criminals are allowed to operate with confidence.

The safety of women is not a women’s issue alone. It is a working-class issue, a community issue and a national responsibility.

COSATU Gauteng therefore calls for a serious and coordinated response to the Kempton Park killings. We demand justice for the victims, support for their families and decisive action to prevent further loss of life.

Women must be safe in their homes, at work, on public transport and in our communities. Enough is enough.

Issued by COSATU Gauteng

Provincial Chairperson: Amos Vusi Monyela: 079 493 5002

Provincial Secretary: Louisah Moepeng Modikwe: 082 297 2659