After deaths of nine women, South Africans gather to run, mourn and demand change

Live updates

1. 1h ago

   South African Police Arrest Three Suspects After Nine Women Murdered

   South African police have arrested three suspects linked to the deaths of women in Gauteng Province. Nine women have been murdered since July, with several bodies discovered in the Ekurhuleni area. The killings have sparked widespread fear and public anger, leading citizens to gather for runs and mourning events to demand systemic change. While police continue their probe, the deaths have reignited national discourse on femicide and the safety of women, who some describe as feeling like they are in a prison.

   Why it matters

   South Africa faces a systemic crisis of gender-based violence. These recent concentrated killings in one area have intensified calls for government action and increased protection for women.

   What is confirmed

   • Nine women have been murdered in South Africa since July.
   • Police arrested three suspects linked to one of the deaths in Gauteng Province.
   • The discovery of the bodies occurred in the Ekurhuleni area.
   • Public gatherings have been held to mourn the victims and demand change.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The series of killings may be the work of a serial murderer.
   • Seven women's bodies were discovered in a single fueling of anger over femicide.

   What to watch next

   • Formal charges filed against the three arrested suspects
   • Police confirmation of whether the deaths are linked to a single serial killer
   • Government response to the public protests and demands for change
   Sources used for this update (14)

   1. The Guardian — ‘We are prey’: discovery of seven women’s bodies fuels anger over femicide in South Africa
   2. NPR — South Africa ‘feels like a prison’ for women amid spate of femicides
   3. CNN — ‘Women are terrified’: Ninth body found as South African police probe series of killings
   4. washingtonpost.com — Nine bodies found in South Africa raise fears of serial murder, femicide
   5. bbc.com — Ekurhuleni killings: Grim discoveries of murdered women spark fear in South Africa
   6. The Guardian — Nine women in South Africa have been murdered since July. We are being told to be vigilant – but where are the warnings to men? | Nolethu Ndude
   7. Al Jazeera — Fear and anger in South Africa as bodies of nine women found: What we know
   8. Reuters — After deaths of nine women, South Africans gather to run, mourn and demand change
   9. The Independent — ‘We’re terrified all the time’: Fear and anger in South Africa after nine women’s bodies found in three months
   10. Bloomberg.com — South Africa Questions 3 People of Interest in Women’s Murders
   11. BBC — South Africa police arrest three after woman's body found
   12. BBC — South African police arrest suspects wey dey linked to one of di women deaths for Gauteng Province
   confidence 90%