Fears of a Serial Killer in South Africa Expose Deeper Rot of Gender-Based Violence

The discovery of seven women’s bodies in two months east of Johannesburg has sent shockwaves through South Africa, sparking fears of a serial killer on the loose. This gruesome reality is one symptom of a more insidious problem: the country’s endemic gender-based violence.

At first glance, the similarities between these cases are alarming – victims were targeted while engaged in everyday activities, some found fully naked and in advanced stages of decomposition. The police have issued a public warning for women to be cautious when jogging or walking alone in the area. However, as President Cyril Ramaphosa noted, this is not just about investigating individual crimes; it’s about confronting systemic failures that enable such violence.

The authorities’ response has been criticized for being slow to act. It wasn’t until social media campaigns and frantic community searches sparked a public outcry that these cases gained attention. The life of Elizabeth “Tsontso” Moselakgomo, who went missing while jogging in Kempton Park last week, may have become newsworthy only when her fellow runners launched a desperate bid to find her. The fact that more bodies were discovered after her disappearance suggests the police did not act with the urgency required by such crimes.

South Africa’s statistics are stark: 5,427 murders between April and July – an average of 45 per day – while femicide rates are among the highest in the world. This is a culture of violence that has been allowed to fester for far too long. It’s clear that individual perpetrators are not the sole issue; rather, it’s a systemic problem that requires sustained attention.

A public warning from the police may have been triggered by these recent discoveries, but it’s only a temporary measure. What’s needed is a sustained effort to address the root causes of this violence – inadequate lighting in public spaces, lack of surveillance, and a general sense of lawlessness that allows perpetrators to act with impunity. The Commission for Gender Equality has called for an urgent safety audit of the affected areas, which is a necessary step towards preventing such crimes.

However, it’s also crucial to recognize that physical security measures are not enough; creating a culture where women feel safe and empowered to live their lives without fear of violence is equally important. As Amnesty International South Africa noted, “Women in South Africa are not safe.” The discovery of these bodies is only the latest horrific reminder of this grim reality.

It’s time for authorities to take concrete action to address systemic failures that enable gender-based violence – proactively and with a sense of urgency that matches the gravity of this crisis. Sustained effort and commitment from all stakeholders – government, law enforcement, community leaders, and civil society organizations – are necessary to create a South Africa where women can live without fear of violence.