‘We live in fear’: Diepsloot residents raise alarm over women’s safety

The tragic death of Maria Hiine has sent shockwaves through Diepsloot, a township north of Johannesburg, leaving many women living in fear as the country commemorates Women’s Month, reports Fourways Review.

Hiine was reported missing after she was last seen in Diepsloot Ext 1. Her disappearance prompted widespread community support as residents shared missing person posters and joined efforts to find her, but hope quickly turned into grief when her body was discovered.

Community activist Collen Motshweni said the issue of women being reported missing then found dead has been ongoing for years. “I remember two to three years ago, we had the same incident of a woman who went missing and was found dead with multiple stabs in a public area, and you find that many of these cases just vanish into thin air. Many women around Diepsloot fear for their lives, and it’s understandable. It’s not a safe place at all, plus with a lot of gang members, women feel defenceless and powerless.”

Residents say Hiine’s death is a painful reminder of the dangers women and girls continue to face daily, with many questioning whether they are safe in their own community. Teenager Palesa Mokoena said the incident has changed the way she views her surroundings. “I no longer feel safe at all, even during the day, because anything can happen. We are supposed to be celebrating Women’s Month, but, instead, we are opening the month mourning another young woman. It’s heartbreaking.” Mokoena said many young girls now constantly look over their shoulders whenever they leave home, fearing they could become the next victims.

Resident Minky Ndlovu described the growing number of missing persons cases involving women as deeply alarming. “It is becoming too common. Almost every day we hear that another woman has gone missing, and many of them are later found dead. We are living in fear because we don’t know who will be next.” Ndlovu believes stronger interventions are needed to protect women and girls, saying communities cannot continue accepting gender-based violence as part of everyday life.

For elderly resident Rose Maseko, Maria’s death highlights how much society has changed over the years. “Times have changed. Children are being taken every day, and it leaves parents with unimaginable pain. No parent should have to search for their child only to receive heartbreaking news.”

Dieplsoot police were contacted on August 12 for comment regarding the missing persons cases, along with Lieutenant Colonel Mpho Tshetlhane, communications co-ordinator for the police in Johannesburg District on August 13. Unfortunately, no response was received. An update will be provided as soon as we receive the information.