Statement by the Gauteng Interfaith Leadership Council (GILC)

The Gauteng Interfaith Leadership Council (GILC) condemned the deaths of nine women in Ekurhuleni, stating that these killings represent a profound moral failure and a sin against the sanctity of human life. The council expressed sorrow and concern following reports that the bodies of nine women have been found in various parts of Ekurhuleni since July 2026.

The South African Police Service is currently investigating these deaths, according to the council. The GILC noted that the violence against women and girls contradicts the values of human dignity and peace outlined in the 2019 Document on Human Fraternity for World Peace and Living Together, signed by Pope Francis and Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Ahmed Al-Tayeb.

Faith leaders in the council emphasized that no cultural tradition, economic hardship, or personal grievance justifies violence against women. They stated that gender-based violence and femicide wound the entire human family and diminish common humanity.