The Church in South Africa

The Justice and Peace Commission of the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC) expressed deep sorrow and concern following the discovery of eight women's bodies in Ekurhuleni. The commission stated that these violent killings violate the sacredness of human life and contradict constitutional promises of safety and security.

The SACBC noted that despite national conferences, strategic plans, and the classification of gender-based violence and femicide as a national disaster, killings continue. The commission urged society to examine why prevention and protection systems are failing. Specifically, the SACBC questioned if authorities act with enough urgency on reports of missing women and if they quickly identify patterns connecting different cases.

The South African Council of Churches (SACC) is calling for action following the discovery of six women's bodies in Gauteng over the last two months. The most recent body was found in Springs on the morning of September 15, 2026. Previous discoveries occurred in Kempton Park and Olifantsfontein.

The SACC stated that these deaths reflect a national moral collapse and a lack of governance systems to protect women. The organization noted that these incidents continue despite President Cyril Ramaphosa declaring gender-based violence and femicide a national disaster less than a year ago.

While one suspect is in custody for the first murder, the SACC reported that no arrests have been made in the other cases. Police have not yet determined if the deaths are linked to one perpetrator or several. The council expressed condolences to the families of the deceased, including Elizabeth “Tsontso” Moselakgomo, and those waiting for the formal identification of four other women.