Catholic Bishops Laud Police Response to Women’s Killings in South Africa as Number of Slain Women Hits 9

The Justice and Peace Commission of the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference praised the South African Police Service for its response to the killings of nine women in the country. The bishops issued a statement on Wednesday, September 16, following the discovery of a ninth victim in Dawn Park, Boksburg, on the morning of Thursday, September 17.

The police confirmed that nine women's bodies have been found in Ekurhuleni, east of Johannesburg, since July. The most recent victim was found partially naked, and authorities have not yet identified some of the women.

The bishops commended the police for creating a specialized multidisciplinary investigation team, deploying more resources, increasing visibility in affected areas, and seeking persons of interest. They urged the police to maintain this urgency until the circumstances of every death are established and those responsible are brought to justice. The bishops also asked the public to cooperate with authorities by providing information to assist investigations.