Pretoria: Government has joined President Cyril Ramaphosa in extending its deepest condolences to the families and communities affected by the tragic killing of women in and around Ekurhuleni. President Ramaphosa has declared the murders a national crisis and directed that the investigation receives the highest level of attention from government and law enforcement agencies.
According to South African Government News Agency, a multidisciplinary specialised team has been mobilised to work around the clock to identify and apprehend those responsible for the killings in Ekurhuleni. The government has emphasised the importance of creating safer communities through a collaborative effort involving law enforcement, individuals, local authorities, schools, businesses, and civil society.
The Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) has urged communities to utilise established safety structures, such as Community Police Forums (CPFs), neighbourhood watches, and other community safety initiatives. They are encouraged to work closely with the South African Police Service (SAPS) and local authorities to enhance safety and prevent criminal activities.
Communities are also encouraged to remain vigilant and report suspicious behaviour to the police. This includes activities related to illicit drugs, illegal firearms, gender-based violence, femicide, and other illegal activities that undermine the rule of law. The GCIS emphasised the importance of community involvement in supporting vulnerable members, particularly the elderly, women, and children.
The government has stressed the need for individuals to report crime and support at-risk community members, reinforcing that every person can contribute to making neighbourhoods safer. Additionally, the government has urged anyone with information that may assist the investigation into the killings to report it directly to SAPS.
Furthermore, the public is warned against sharing unverified information about the incidents to avoid compromising the investigation or causing additional distress to affected families.