Tshwane metro says it will implement a string of security measures in Waltloo, Denneboom and surrounding areas where four women’s burnt bodies were discovered since June while the DA is calling for a specialised unit to investigate gender-based-violence (GBV) cases in Gauteng.

Pretoria Rekord reports that four women’s bodies were found burnt beyond recognition along the railway line between Waltloo and Denneboom stations with the most recent body found near Waltloo station on Monday (July 4).

High risk areas to be patrolled

“We cannot allow our public spaces to become sites of terror and violence,” the metro’s Palesa Modise, MMC for Community and Social Development Services said.

The metro’s planned security measures include safety audits and patrols as well as working with the Energy and Electricity Business Unit to improve public lighting and surveillance in areas deemed vulnerable.

“In partnership with the TMPD (Tshwane Metro Police Department), we will increase the presence of trained gender-based violence community brigades to patrol high-risk areas and serve as the first line of support and reporting,” Modise said.

They will also increase access to psychosocial support, counselling and shelter services for affected individuals and families.

Tshwane metro stands in solidarity with victims’ families

Modise said the metro is saddened by the gruesome murders of four women.

“These heinous crimes, committed against vulnerable women, are a direct affront to our constitutional democracy, which affirms the right to life, dignity and safety for all,” she said.

“On behalf of the Multiparty Coalition Government of Tshwane, I wish to extend my heartfelt condolences to the families and communities affected by these tragic and senseless acts.”

The MMC said the metro stands in solidarity with the victims’ families during this time of unimaginable grief and trauma.

Recent murders point to GBV crisis

“Mamelodi and surrounding areas have regrettably emerged as one of the hotspots for violent crimes, particularly those targeting women and children.”

According to Modise, these killings are not isolated incidents; they are indicative of the broader national crisis of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), which continues to plague our communities with devastating impact.

She said Tshwane metro, through the Community and Social Development Department, is committed to working collaboratively with all stakeholders to prevent further loss of life and restore safety in our communities.

Task team to tackle GBV in Mamelodi 

“As a caring and responsive local government, we are actively engaging with law enforcement, civil society, religious leaders, and community-based organisations to co-ordinate urgent and long-term interventions.”

She said they will establish a Rapid Response Task Team.

“Building on the successful pilot of the Regional Rapid Response Task Team, we will fast-track the establishment of a multidisciplinary task team in Mamelodi to improve the response to GBVF cases and facilitate immediate support for victims and survivors.”

The metro called on all sectors of government, civil society, businesses, religious institutions and residents to work together in rooting out the culture of impunity and restoring the safety and dignity of our women and children.

“To the perpetrators of these vile crimes: justice will be pursued with urgency and without compromise.”

Fears of serial predator on the loose after women killed

Modise added that the metro will continue to provide whatever support is necessary to law enforcement agencies in their investigations.

“The fight against GBVF requires all of us. Silence is complicity. We must be the generation that turns the tide against gender-based violence in our communities.”

Crezane Bosch, DA Gauteng Shadow MEC for Community Safety, said a wave of at least five brutal murders of women in Pretoria in recent weeks has sparked fears of a possible serial predator.

“Victims were found burned or buried near railway lines between Denlyn, Waltloo, and Eersterust, with some reportedly lured through fake job ads and dating sites.”

Calls for a Gauteng specialised GBV investigation unit

Bosch said the DA is calling for urgent action, demanding Premier Panyaza Lesufi establish a special GBV investigation unit and address severe police under-resourcing in areas like Eersterust and Silverton.

“These attacks are not random; they are calculated, and our police stations are ill-equipped to respond,” said.

Bosch said a specialised GBV and Femicide Unit, trained detectives, patrol vehicles, and stronger visible policing must be implemented immediately.

“While one suspect has been arrested, the DA insists bail be denied, warning of continued danger to women.

“They also urge the public not to spread unverified information that could cause panic.”