South African President Calls on Men to Combat Gender-Based Violence Following Serial Murders

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has urged men to take greater responsibility in countering violence against women, admitting that government efforts to protect female citizens have fallen short. The president announced a series of targeted measures following public outrage over a recent wave of female murders across the country.

Addressing the nation in a televised broadcast, Ramaphosa revealed that law enforcement will review cold cases involving unsolved murders, attempted murders, and grave sexual offenses against women and children within the next 60 days. Police have also been instructed to establish a funded strategy within the same timeframe to clear the forensic evidence backlog for these cases.

LOCAL SAFETY MEASURES AND ALCOHOL CONTROLS

Under the new directives, municipal governments have been given five months to rectify environmental hazards that jeopardize women's safety, including unrepaired streetlights, abandoned structures, and overgrown public areas. Additionally, five government ministers have been tasked with formulating a plan within 60 days to curb alcohol-fueled violence.

Ramaphosa emphasized that while alcohol contributes to interpersonal violence, it does not excuse criminal behavior, stating that perpetrators remain entirely responsible. He stressed that women should not suffer due to state failures in infrastructure maintenance, evidence processing, or law enforcement.

INVESTIGATIONS IN EKURHULENI

The announcements follow widespread anger stemming from the discovery of 11 women's bodies in Ekurhuleni, an area east of Johannesburg, since July 15. Eight of these victims were discovered over a recent three-week period, including Elizabeth "Tsontso" Moselakgomo, whose body was found on September 12 after she vanished during an evening run.

According to Ramaphosa, authorities have arrested suspects in connection with three of the homicides. Although investigators have not uncovered evidence attributing all 11 murders to a single serial killer, police continue to explore all potential leads.

CALL FOR MALE ACCOUNTABILITY AND ACTIVIST CRITICISM

Directly appealing to South African men, the president urged them to confront peers, relatives, and coworkers who mistreat women, asserting that good men must end their silence. Ramaphosa noted that society has historically shifted the burden of preventing male violence onto women, who continually alter their routines and advocate for safety.

Human rights groups and advocacy organizations expressed doubt regarding the government's declarations. Amnesty International South Africa Executive Director Shenilla Mohamed observed that these concerns have persisted since mass street protests in 2019, noting that official timelines are meaningless without concrete action and accountability for non-performance. Representatives from Sonke Gender Justice also voiced concern that the government's strategy focuses predominantly on post-crime responses rather than proactive prevention, while merely demanding that local municipalities perform basic existing mandates.