Rabie Ridge residents march against GBV after discovery of 9 bodies in Ekurhuleni
Local pastors, activists, and community members rallied at Darter Park to demand justice for unresolved murder cases and safer streets.
Rabie Ridge residents took to the streets on Sunday, September 20, in a peaceful march against gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), following the discovery of nine bodies of murdered women in Ekurhuleni since July.
Community members gathered at Darter Park before marching along Falcon Street and Rietduiker Road to demand justice for victims. The march ended at the intersection of Dane, Modderfontein, and Rietduiker roads, with police officers present throughout.
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The reported discovery of nine bodies in the region has sparked public outrage, highlighting the continuing national crisis of GBVF.
Pastor Emmanuel Nkosi said men needed to take greater responsibility in addressing violence against women. “We need to stand; we need to fight together to move forward so we can make this community a safe place for everyone,” Nkosi said.
He added that men have a responsibility to lead, protect, love, and provide for their families and communities.
Pastor Fiona Brown, a GBVF activist with the Midrand Association of Home Based Care, said she regularly counsels women who have experienced abuse.
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Brown said some women fear reporting abuse to the police or leaving abusive relationships because they lack support and fear inaction. “We are doing this today because we’ve had enough,” she said.
She urged communities to teach younger generations that abuse is not normal and called for properly trained police officers and forensic pathologists to investigate cases.
Brown noted that the president’s declaration of GBVF as a national disaster is insufficient without effective policing and timely investigations.
Community leader George Henry said the march was intended to unite residents against abuse. “The recent killings have really brought a great awareness that our women have been suffering at the hands of men,” Henry said.
He warned that silence should not be accepted when women and children are being harmed, adding, “Silence is stage-managed when it comes to abusing women.
It’s not golden when it comes to abusing children.”
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