South Africans have taken to the streets in several cities to mourn nine women found dead near Johannesburg and demand stronger action against violence targeting women.
The bodies were discovered in Ekurhuleni, east of Johannesburg, over a period of about two months. Police are investigating whether the deaths are connected.
Most of the victims were women in their 20s and 30s. Some of the bodies were reportedly found without clothes and showed indications of sexual assault.
In Johannesburg on Saturday, dozens of people dressed in black participated in a memorial run for Elizabeth Moselakgomo, who disappeared after leaving for a run and was later found dead.
The participants lit candles and carried messages calling for an end to the killing of women.
Similar protests and vigils were held elsewhere, including at the University of Cape Town, where students gathered to remember victims of gender-based violence and call for stronger government action.
The deaths have renewed concerns about the safety of women in South Africa, where gender-based violence was declared a national disaster in 2025.
The Uyinene Mrwetyana Foundation, which campaigns against gender-based violence, said women should be able to walk, run and go about their daily activities without fear.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has said South Africa must not become accustomed to violence against women and pledged that authorities would thoroughly investigate the killings.
However, activists have raised concerns about weaknesses in the country’s policing system, citing corruption and limited resources.
Merlize Jogiat of Women for Change said stronger police presence had helped in locating the bodies and called for improvements in policing across the country.
Women’s rights groups have also criticised advice asking women to take additional precautions when exercising or walking alone, arguing that responsibility for preventing violence should not be placed on women.
The protests have renewed calls for stronger policing, better protection for women and more effective action against gender-based violence in South Africa.
