South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has directed municipalities across the country to identify and address locations where women may be vulnerable, following the discovery of the remains of 12 women east of Johannesburg within two months.
The deaths have triggered widespread concern over gender-based violence in South Africa, which continues to record high levels of violent crime against women.
Addressing the nation on Tuesday, President Ramaphosa announced a range of measures aimed at improving public safety and tackling violence linked to excessive alcohol consumption.
He said authorities must conduct immediate assessments of areas considered dangerous to women, including poorly lit streets, neglected public spaces, vacant structures, insecure parks and unsafe transport facilities.
“Every municipality must begin a women’s safety audit without delay,” he said, adding that dangerous locations should be identified and improved.
Four people have so far been arrested in connection with the deaths.
Ramaphosa acknowledged fears that the close proximity of the discoveries could point to a single killer, but said investigators had yet to establish any evidence linking the cases to one offender.
He also ordered ministers to develop measures aimed at curbing alcohol-related violence, while stressing that alcohol could not be regarded as an excuse for gender-based violence.
According to the president, preventing attacks on women requires changes in social attitudes as well as stronger policing and laws.
He said harmful beliefs about male control over women, jealousy, coercion and refusal to respect consent could contribute to violence long before physical attacks occur.
President Ramaphosa urged men and boys to play a greater role in challenging such behaviour, saying women should not have to sacrifice their freedom in order to remain safe.
South Africa recorded 5,427 murders between April and June this year.
Police figures do not provide a gender breakdown, but the South African Human Rights Commission reported that 569 women were killed and another 1,052 survived attempted murder during the same period.
By: Magdalene Agyeiwaa Sarpong