The discovery of nine female bodies in Ekurhuleni over the past two months has refocused attention on gender-based violence and victim support services in Pretoria.

Murder investigation continues

Eight of the nine women found murdered in Ekurhuleni have been positively identified by their families, while the identity of the ninth victim, discovered in Dawn Park, remains unconfirmed. Police have arrested three suspects in connection with the Dawn Park case.

Authorities continue to investigate the murders to determine if a serial killer is responsible or if the crimes are linked. No official serial killer designation has been made yet as forensic and investigative work continues.

The bodies were found at locations including the R21 near Kempton Park, Pomona, central Kempton Park, the intersection of Voortrekker Road and the R21, Rhodesfield, the Kaalspruit River near Clayville and Olifantsfontein, KwaThema in Springs and Dawn Park in Boksburg.

National response promised

President Cyril Ramaphosa said yesterday that he would soon address the nation on the investigations into the killings and the government’s response to fighting GBV.

Speaking at a National Heritage Day event in Oudtshoorn in the Western Cape, Ramaphosa said: “The heritage of our women is that they must be able to walk around without any fear that they will be attacked or raped or killed.”

Shelter funding and capacity concerns

The DA has linked the killings to broader concerns about the availability and accessibility of support services for women experiencing violence.

DA Gauteng shadow MEC for social development Refiloe Nt’sekhe said the deaths highlighted the impact of GBV in the province.

Figures contained in the Gauteng Department of Social Development’s First Quarterly Report for the 2026/27 financial year show that 345 of 523 targeted GBV and crime victims accessed shelter services during the reporting period.

According to the figures supplied, 178 victims, or 34% of the target, did not access the shelter services intended to provide safety and support.

Nt’sekhe said reduced funding for shelters has resulted in some victims being placed far from their communities.

For women with children, this can mean changing schools, while employed victims may face additional travelling costs and longer journeys to work.

The DA says it will table questions to Gauteng Social Development MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko on the reduction in funded shelters, the availability and geographic distribution of shelters across the province and measures being taken to ensure victims are not forced to leave shelters because of accessibility challenges.

“Some victims discharge themselves from shelters because of these challenges,” said Nt’sekhe.

Available facilities in Pretoria

In Pretoria, the following departmental shelters are available to victims of GBV: Mali Martin Polokegong Centre for Women (Bronkhorstspruit), Mali Martin Polokegong Centre for Men (Bronkhorstspruit), Mercy House (Gezina) and Youth For Survival (Pretoria West).

Departmental spokesperson Motsamai Motlhaolwa explained the department’s policy states that GBV shelters provide short-term placements rather than permanent accommodation.

“Women can be admitted with their children and can generally stay for three to six months while receiving therapeutic healing and psychosocial support services,” said Motlhaolwa.

He explained that a social worker can recommend that a stay be extended to a maximum of 12 months, based on an assessment of the victim’s progress and healing process.

The extension requires supporting professional reports and a motivation from the relevant centre.

Shelter admission is also subject to available bed capacity, explained Motlhaolwa.

The department’s policy states that women’s shelters can accommodate women without children as well as women with children. Young girls can be accommodated with their mothers up to the age of 18, while boys can generally be accommodated up to the age of 12.

Boys between 12 and 18 can only be accommodated with their mothers at shelters that have family units.

He said the policy also provides for men and their children, although men cannot be accommodated with girl children. “Where a father arrives at a shelter with a girl child, the shelter should assist with finding alternative placement at a child and youth care centre.”

Nt’sekhe said the DA wants greater attention placed on shelter capacity, the geographic distribution of services and the ability of victims to remain in safe accommodation.

She has also called for longer-term funding agreements for qualifying non-profit organisations and the timely payment of approved funding.

She emphasised referrals, shelter capacity and premature discharges should be tracked to identify gaps in the support system.

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