South Africa’s Grim Wave of Gender-Based Violence and Murders

South African authorities recently arrested three individuals in relation to a series of murders in Kempton Park, east of Johannesburg, where nine women were found dead over two months. The arrests include a man and two women connected to the killing of Jabulile Ntimba, whose partly clothed body was discovered on September 17. Police suspect relationship issues, possibly a love triangle, may have led to Ntimba’s murder.

The deputy police chief, Tebello Mosikili, highlighted the potential personal connections involved, as well as the scale of gender-based violence in South Africa. Despite ongoing government pledges to tackle this national issue, it remains rampant. Women in the affected area have been warned to be cautious during activities like jogging.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has publicly stated the government’s commitment to holding those responsible accountable. Reinforcing this, he promised more resources, including money and technology, to address the fear women face in the nation.

With four arrests now made, the investigation continues to determine connections between these cases and the possibility of a targeted attack on women. Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia emphasized the urgency in dealing with potential serial perpetrators, with a specialized team formed to examine the links between these cases.

Separately, another grim discovery was made in Soweto, where a woman’s body was found wrapped in a duvet near a dam. Additionally, police in KwaZulu-Natal are addressing cases involving alleged serial rapists linked to multiple crimes across various regions. A 46-year-old and a 36-year-old man are expected in court, accused of numerous rape cases.

South Africa faces daily violence, with crime statistics showing over 60 murders occurring each day. Between April and July, 2026, more than 5,400 murders were reported, highlighting the severe risk in the country. Femicide rates further underscore this danger, with UN figures indicating South Africa as having some of the world’s highest rates.

A 2024 study highlighted intimate partner violence, revealing that three women are killed daily in such circumstances. Additional findings showed over 35% of South African women have suffered physical or sexual violence.

The Commission for Gender Equality has called for preventive measures, including a safety audit of affected areas, assessing various factors like lighting, surveillance, and emergency access. A spokesperson, Javu Baloyi, stressed the importance of proactive measures, rather than reacting to tragedies.