Women across South Africa have taken to the streets in a powerful display of solidarity and grief, protesting against a disturbing spate of murders targeting women near Johannesburg. The demonstrations, marked by candlelit vigils and silent runs, honour the memory of nine women whose bodies were discovered in the Kempton Park area since July. Among them was Elizabeth Moselakgomo, a beloved jogger known as “Tsontso”, whose disappearance during a routine run ignited a fierce outcry. As communities grapple with mounting fear, activists demand urgent government action, while police have urged women to avoid solitary walks or runs in isolated areas.
A Movement Born from Grief and Anger
The protests began as small gatherings but quickly grew into a nationwide movement. In Centurion, runners organised a tribute event for Moselakgomo, transforming a place of loss into a symbol of resilience. “This is for her – we just want to live and go running and come back home without having to think that it may be one of us,” declared Nonhle Mpohlo, her voice steady but tinged with emotion. The crowd echoed her sentiment, their footsteps a rhythmic reminder of the freedom that should never be feared.
In Cape Town, hundreds assembled in a quiet vigil, holding candles and flowers. They marched through the streets, their message clear: enough is enough. Speakers called on authorities to take decisive action, arguing that the current response is insufficient and that justice for the victims remains elusive.
Police Response and Community Fear
The national police force has since established a dedicated task team to investigate the murders. While details of the investigation remain under wraps, authorities have issued a stark warning: women in the Kempton Park area should avoid walking or running alone, particularly in secluded areas. The advice, though practical, has been met with frustration. For many, it underscores a deeper issue – that safety should not be a privilege reserved for the few.
Social media has amplified the outcry, with hashtags like #NotInMyName trending across South Africa. Videos of the protests, shared widely online, show women of all ages standing shoulder to shoulder, their unity a powerful rebuke to the violence that has shaken their communities.
Voices from the Community
Moselakgomo’s family, friends, and neighbours described her as a trailblazer in the local running community. “Tsontso always encouraged others to run, to be active, to live fully,” said a close friend. “She never imagined she wouldn’t come back.” Her death has left a void not just in her family but in the hearts of those who shared her passion for movement and freedom.
In the townships surrounding Johannesburg, women speak of a growing sense of unease. “We used to run in the mornings, but now we check who’s around,” said one mother of two. Another added, “We teach our daughters to be careful, but where is the protection?” These voices reflect a broader concern: that the cycle of violence must end, and that systemic change is long overdue.
The police have promised increased patrols and outreach programmes aimed at supporting at-risk communities. Yet, for many, the measures feel reactive rather than transformative. The protests continue, driven by a demand for accountability and a vision of a society where women can move freely, unafraid.
Why it Matters
This wave of protests is more than a reaction to individual tragedies – it is a testament to the power of collective action in the face of systemic neglect. The murders of these women have laid bare deep-seated issues within South Africa’s approach to gender-based violence, exposing a gap between public safety rhetoric and lived reality. As communities unite in grief and determination, their voices echo a universal truth: that the safety of women is not a private concern but a public imperative. The world watches, and South Africa’s response will send a message not just to its own citizens, but to nations grappling with similar challenges.
