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

Live updates

1. 33d ago

   South Africa Imposes 90-Day Deadline After Murders

   South African President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the nation on Tuesday to order urgent action against a wave of gender-based violence, establishing a 90-day timeline to fix the crisis. The announcement follows the killings of women whose bodies were discovered in and around the Ekurhuleni area east of Johannesburg since July. Authorities in Gauteng unveiled a four-point plan aiming to strengthen policing, investigations, and community safety while ensuring justice for victims. Officials committed to reporting progress publicly on a quarterly basis amid intense public anger directed at the authorities.

   Why it matters

   The government response follows public outrage and protests sparked by the discovery of murdered women in the Johannesburg region, prompting demonstrators to demand state accountability. Female runners across South Africa have altered their daily routines and started carrying weapons out of fear for their safety. The presidential mandate and regional four-point plan represent direct policy reactions to these community-level protests and security concerns.

   What is confirmed

   • President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the country on Tuesday in response to violence against women and ordered urgent action with a 90-day timeline to fix the crisis.
   • At least 11 women were found murdered in and around the Ekurhuleni area east of Johannesburg since July.
   • Gauteng authorities unveiled a four-point plan to strengthen policing, investigations, and community safety while ensuring victims receive justice.
   • Authorities will report progress publicly each quarter.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Twelve women were found dead according to provincial authorities, differing from the 11 cited by the presidency.

   What to watch next

   • Quarterly public reports detailing progress on the four-point plan
   • Implementation and enforcement of the presidential 90-day crisis fix
   Sources used for this update (4)

   1. www.theguardian.com — South African leader urges men to speak up on gender-based ...
   2. www.forbesafrica.com — ‘Violence Against Women In This Country Inhuman’: South ...
   3. www.timeslive.co.za — Gauteng unveils 4-point plan after 12 women found dead
   4. www.yahoo.com — South Africa announces measures to tackle violence against ...
   confidence 100%
2. 35d ago

   South Africans Rally After Nine Women Found Dead in Ekurhuleni

   South African women are organizing memorial runs and protests after nine women, mostly in their twenties and thirties, were found dead in Ekurhuleni east of Johannesburg over a two-month period. Some victims showed signs of sexual assault, including victim Elizabeth Moselakgomo who was killed while jogging. Demonstrators carried banners reading "Enough. Stop Femicide" to demand government action on gender-based violence. Meanwhile, female runners across the country are altering their routines and carrying safety items such as knives and pepper spray out of fear.

   Why it matters

   The discoveries have reignited nationwide anger over gender-based violence and safety for women exercising outdoors. The killings have triggered a strong response from female athletes who feel compelled to arm themselves before daily runs. Public demonstrations continue to push authorities for systemic change to address the ongoing femicide crisis.

   What is confirmed

   • Nine women were found dead in Ekurhuleni, east of Johannesburg, over a two-month period.
   • Most of the victims found in Ekurhuleni were in their 20s and 30s, and some showed signs of sexual assault.
   • Protesters carried banners reading "Enough. Stop Femicide" during demonstrations honoring victims such as Elizabeth Moselakgomo.
   • Female runners are changing their routines and carrying safety items like pepper spray and knives following the murders.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Police are investigating possible links between the killings, though a serial connection has not yet been confirmed.

   What to watch next

   • Official police confirmation regarding whether the killings are the work of a serial attacker
   • Further government announcements or actions responding to the femicide crisis and public protests
   Sources used for this update (9)

   1. www.wionews.com — 9 women found dead near Johannesburg: South Africans rally ...
   2. thenational.co.za — Women runners in South Africa fear for safety after wave of ...
   3. www.africanews.com — S.African women runners arm themselves after string of killings
   4. sierraleonews.com — South African women runners tighten safety measures after ...
   5. www.dw.com — South African women demand action on gender-based violence
   6. www.justwatch.com — After streaming: where to watch movie online? - JustWatch
   7. movieweb.com — After Movies in Order Chronologically and by Release Date
   8. en.wikipedia.org — After (film series) - Wikipedia
   9. en.wikipedia.org — After (2019 film) - Wikipedia
   confidence 95%
3. 40d ago

   South African Women Organize Protests and Solidarity Runs After String of Killings

   South African women are organizing marches, vigils, and solidarity runs to demand systemic change following the murders of nine women since July. While police arrested three suspects linked to deaths in Gauteng Province, many women runners are now arming themselves for protection. Black women in particular are reframing solutions to femicide through writing and organizing to move beyond the status of victims. These public demonstrations reflect widespread anger over the discovery of several bodies in the Ekurhuleni area.

   Why it matters

   The killings have reignited a national debate on femicide and the safety of women in South Africa. Some women describe their current existence as feeling like they are in a prison.

   What is confirmed

   • Nine women have been murdered since July.
   • Police arrested three suspects linked to deaths in Gauteng Province.
   • The discovery of bodies has triggered vigils, protests, and solidarity runs across South Africa.

   What to watch next

   • Police updates on the three suspects in Gauteng
   • Official government response to the organized marches and protests
   Sources used for this update (2)

   1. madamenoire.com — South African Femicide Is Killing Young Black Women
   2. www.straitstimes.com — South African women runners arm themselves after string of killings
   confidence 100%
4. 45d 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%