Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Sindisiwe Chikunga has urged law-enforcement agencies to take urgent action following a surge in attacks on women exercising. The incidents, which include the murders of four women in Kempton Park, have prompted a call for immediate intervention to protect women's safety.
Sindisiwe Chikunga stated that these attacks represent a direct threat to women’s fundamental right to move freely and participate in physical activities without fear of violence, harassment, or intimidation. The Minister's remarks show growing concerns about the safety of women engaging in outdoor exercise, particularly in areas like Kempton Park.
Urgent Call for Safety Measures
The Minister called for immediate and visible action by law enforcement, municipalities, and other relevant stakeholders to strengthen safety in public spaces. These measures should include increased police visibility, effective community-based safety initiatives, improved lighting and infrastructure, rapid-response mechanisms, and stronger collaboration between law-enforcement agencies, municipalities, community organisations, and residents. The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to engaging relevant stakeholders on measures to strengthen the safety of women and girls.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) has issued a public warning regarding the incidents in Kempton Park, where the bodies of four women were discovered. "The bodies of the women were found half naked and with visible bruising, and the discovery sites are located within the same vicinity," SAPS stated. "While investigations are still underway and SAPS has not, at this stage, confirmed that the deaths are linked to a serial killer, the similarities are sufficiently concerning for the police to issue a public warning and intensify investigations." SAPS also advised women to take precautions. "They should avoid secluded spaces, remain vigilant and, where possible, travel or exercise in groups," SAPS added. "The safety of women remains a priority for SAPS, and the police will not wait for further incidents before taking decisive action." Information related to these cases can be provided anonymously through the MySAPSApp.
Kempton Park Deaths Under Scrutiny
The South African Police Service (SAPS) has issued a warning to women in and around Kempton Park, specifically the Rhodesfield area, urging them to exercise extreme caution. This alert follows the discovery of four bodies over approximately two months in the Kempton Park vicinity. The latest discovery occurred on Saturday evening, adding to the growing concerns.
SAPS confirmed that the bodies of the women were found half naked and with visible bruising, and their discovery sites were located within the same vicinity. A SAPS statement indicated, "The bodies of the women were found half naked and with visible bruising, and the discovery sites are located within the same vicinity." SAPS also clarified that while investigations are ongoing, they have not yet confirmed if the deaths are linked to a serial killer. However, the similarities observed are considered sufficiently concerning to warrant a public warning and intensified investigations.
In light of these incidents, SAPS has advised women to take specific precautions for their safety. "They should avoid secluded spaces, remain vigilant and, where possible, travel or exercise in groups," SAPS stated. The police service reiterated its commitment to women's safety, adding, "The safety of women remains a priority for SAPS, and the police will not wait for further incidents before taking decisive action."
Ministerial Resolve and Rights
The call from the Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities is to identify, arrest, and bring to justice those responsible for attacks on women exercising in public spaces. These incidents include the mugging of another woman in Centurion's Rooihuiskraal area while she was returning from a gym. The South African Police Service (SAPS) has urged women in and around Kempton Park not to walk or run alone, particularly in isolated areas. SAPS stated, "They should avoid secluded spaces, remain vigilant and, where possible, travel or exercise in groups. The safety of women remains a priority for SAPS, and the police will not wait for further incidents before taking decisive action."
The discovery sites for the four bodies found in Kempton Park are located within the same vicinity. Regarding these cases, SAPS noted, "The bodies of the women were found half naked and with visible bruising, and the discovery sites are located within the same vicinity. While investigations are still underway and SAPS has not, at this stage, confirmed that the deaths are linked to a serial killer, the similarities are sufficiently concerning for the police to issue a public warning and intensify investigations." Acting National Commissioner of the SAPS, Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane, has directed the Gauteng Provincial Commissioner to immediately establish a dedicated multidisciplinary task team to investigate these cases.
