President Cyril Ramaphosa will address the nation this evening on the steps being taken by the government to confront gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF).
Ramaphosa will also provide an update on investigations into the murders of women in and around the City of Ekurhuleni.
The President’s address comes as the bodies of 13 women have been found in Ekurhuleni, while another was found last week at Moroka Dam in Soweto.
Meanwhile, during the post-Cabinet briefing in Pretoria, Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said Cabinet had condemned the killings and welcomed the arrests made in connection with some of the incidents.
“We have joined the nation in condemning and mourning the brutal murders of the nine women in various parts of Ekurhuleni Metro.
“Cabinet welcomes the arrest of four suspects in connection with three of the murders.
“The four suspects remain in custody after they were denied bail following their court appearances on three separate occasions.
“Cabinet supports the directive by the President to the multidisciplinary investigation team, led by the police service, to speedily arrest and prosecute the culprits behind these murders.
“The team is pursuing several people of interest,” said Ntshavheni.
She highlighted that the rise in GBVF incidents must galvanise a societal response to protect women, involving men, families, communities and society in general.
“Because the murder of women intentionally by their loved ones or people close to them cannot be tolerated by any society, by any community.
“And it requires all our efforts to respond.
“On the other hand, law enforcement must ensure that those who are responsible for the killing of women are found expeditiously and face the might of the law,” the Minister said.
