South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has declared the recent killings of women in and around Kempton Park, Gauteng, a national crisis and ordered government and law-enforcement agencies to give the investigations their highest priority.
The deaths have sparked widespread fear and anger after several women were found dead in the East Rand area over the past two months.
Police say the cases share concerning similarities, with some victims reportedly found partially clothed and showing signs of bruising. However, authorities have not confirmed whether the killings were carried out by a single perpetrator or are connected.
In a statement on Tuesday, Mr Ramaphosa said he had spoken with the police minister and the acting national police commissioner, who briefed him on the investigations.
He directed law-enforcement agencies to prioritise the cases and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
“No stone will be left unturned,” the president said.
The South African Police Service has established a dedicated multidisciplinary task team involving specialised detectives, including investigators from the Murder and Robbery Unit and the Investigative Psychology Unit.
Police have also urged residents, motorists, security personnel and others who may have witnessed suspicious activity in the affected areas to come forward with information.
The latest developments have intensified concerns over violence against women in South Africa, where the killings have prompted renewed calls for stronger protection and urgent action from authorities.
Government Communications said the investigation would receive the highest level of attention, with a specialised multidisciplinary team working around the clock to identify and apprehend those responsible.
Mr Ramaphosa extended his condolences to the families of the victims and called on South Africans to stand together to protect the safety and dignity of women and girls.
Police have not yet established whether the deaths are linked, and no serial killer has been officially identified.
