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[INTERNATIONAL] · South Africa · 18 sources

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South Africa announces emergency measures to combat gender-based violence

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced a national emergency response to combat gender-based violence and femicide following the discovery of at least 11 women's bodies in the Ekurhuleni region since July.

Key measures include a 60-day mandate for all municipalities to conduct safety audits to identify high-risk areas, such as locations with broken streetlights, abandoned buildings, or unmaintained public spaces. Additionally, the President ordered a 90-day review of unresolved cases involving murder, attempted murder, and sexual offenses. Authorities are also tasked with presenting a funded plan to address forensic backlogs within 60 days.

To support investigations, a multidisciplinary team involving detectives, crime intelligence, and forensic specialists has been deployed. The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) is assisting with digital forensic components. While four suspects have been arrested in connection with recent killings, officials stated there is currently no evidence to confirm the deaths are the work of a single serial killer.

Entities

Council for Scientific and Industrial Research · Cyril Ramaphosa · Ekurhuleni · Johannesburg · National Prosecuting Authority · South Africa · South African Police Service

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about 2 hours ago