Ramaphosa announces 90-day action plan for unsolved femicides after 11 women's bodies in Ekurhuleni

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that unsolved serious crime files against women and children across the country will be re-examined after 11 women's bodies were found in the Ekurhuleni region, east of Johannesburg.

Ramaphosa addressed the nation regarding the recent increase in violence against women and femicide in the country.

Describing violence against women as "a source of deep pain and national shame", Ramaphosa stated that the steps taken by the government so far are not sufficient and announced new measures including periods of 30, 60 and 90 days.

Ramaphosa stated that a study will be launched across the country that will focus on unsolved cases of murder, attempted murder, rape and serious sexual crimes against women and children, and said, "I have instructed the Ministers of Police and Justice to initiate a nationwide study to re-examine unsolved cases." he said.

90 DAY ACTION PLAN AGAINST VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN

Ramaphosa stated that he instructed all municipalities in the country to conduct security audits to identify areas that threaten the safety of women and to identify non-functioning street lights, neglected public spaces, unsafe transportation routes, parks and other risky points within 60 days.

Pointing out that alcohol consumption is also an important factor in violent incidents, Ramaphosa stated that stricter measures will be taken against alcoholic beverage sales points that do not comply with license conditions.

Ramaphosa stated that the investigations into the murders of women in Ekurhuleni were handled at the highest level, some suspects were caught and other suspects were identified in the investigations.

Emphasizing that the investigations will not be allowed to remain inconclusive, Ramaphosa said that the visible police presence in the country will be increased.

WOMEN'S BODIES FOUND EAST OF JOHANNESBURG

Since July, 11 women's bodies have been found in Ekurhuleni, east of Johannesburg, the country's largest city. The murders sparked protests against violence against women across the country.

Two women were arrested for the murder of Jabulile Ntimba, whose body was found in the Dawn Park area of ​​Ekurhuleni on September 17.

While the possibility that the murders may have been committed by a serial killer was raised in the local media, the police are investigating whether there is a connection between the events.

In South Africa, one of the countries with the highest murder rates in the world, according to police data, more than 23 thousand murders were committed in 2025, and 5 thousand 427 people were killed in April and June this year.