South Africa announces measures to tackle violence against women after series of killings

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced new measures to combat violence against womenByMOGOMOTSI MAGOME Associated PressSeptember 29, 2026, 3:13 PMJOHANNESBURG -- South African President Cyril Ramaphosa announced new measures Tuesday to combat gender-based violence following the killing of at least 11 women in Ekurhuleni, east of Johannesburg, since July.The measures include an audit of women’s safety to be completed within 60 days, requiring local authorities across the country to identify dangerous and high-risk areas, including places with broken streetlights, abandoned buildings and poorly secured parks.Ramaphosa also ordered police and the National Prosecuting Authority to review within 90 days unresolved cases involving murders, attempted murders, rapes and other gender-based violence cases, he said in a televised national address on Tuesday.The recent spate of killings in Ekurhuleni has frightened residents, particularly after the 11th victim's body was discovered Sunday. The area remains on high alert while authorities investigate whether a serial killer or killers are responsible.Ramaphosa said four suspects have been arrested. In some cases, police have iden...