Archive · 19 Sep 2026
South Africans Run and Protest After Nine Women Killed
Nine women were found dead near Johannesburg over about two months.
Police are checking whether the killings are connected.
Some victims appeared to have been sexually assaulted.
People held runs and protests to remember the women and demand change.
One memorial run honoured Elizabeth Moselakgomo, who disappeared while running.
Many women said they do not feel safe running, walking, dating or staying at home.
President Cyril Ramaphosa promised that investigators would pursue the cases fully.
Activists said South Africa needs better policing and that women should not have to change their lives to avoid violence.
Police found the bodies of nine women in Ekurhuleni over two months and are investigating possible links between the killings.
Most victims were in their 20s and 30s; some were found unclothed and showed signs of sexual assault.
A memorial run honoured Elizabeth Moselakgomo, who disappeared while running and was later found dead.
Protesters and advocacy groups demanded stronger action against gender-based violence and criticised police advice placing responsibility on women.
President Cyril Ramaphosa pledged that investigations would be thorough, while activists cited corruption, limited resources and low murder-solving rates.
- Who
- Nine women were killed; South African residents, activists and officials responded, including President Cyril Ramaphosa.
- What
- Police are investigating the deaths and whether the killings are linked, while communities are holding memorials and protests against gender-based violence.
- When
- The bodies were found over the two months before September 19; memorial events and protests took place during that week.
- Where
- The bodies were found in Ekurhuleni, east of Johannesburg; memorial events were held in Johannesburg and Cape Town.
- Why
- Residents and advocacy groups sought justice, improved policing and an end to violence against women.
Activists and Community Members
Officials and Police Response
Responsibility for safety
Activists and Community Members
Advocacy groups said women should not have to organise their lives around avoiding violence and criticised advice urging them to take extra precautions.
Officials and Police Response
Police advice, as described by the activists, urged women to take additional precautions while exercising or walking alone.
Policing priorities
Activists and Community Members
Activists called for policing to be reassessed, citing corruption, inadequate resources and the low rate of solved murders.
Officials and Police Response
President Cyril Ramaphosa said the country could not become accustomed to such violence and pledged thorough investigations.
- Victims
- Nine women were found dead in Ekurhuleni.
- Investigation
- Police are examining whether the killings are linked.
- Victim profile
- Most victims were in their 20s and 30s.
- Memorial run
- The Johannesburg run honoured Elizabeth Moselakgomo.
- Government response
- President Cyril Ramaphosa pledged that investigations would leave no stone unturned.
- Policing concern
- The report says only about one in 10 murders is ever solved.
- National context
- Gender-based violence was declared a national disaster in South Africa in 2025.