Women urged to remain vigilant and prioritise personal safety

The discovery of the bodies of eight women in different parts of Ekurhuleni, a large metropolitan municipality in Gauteng, east of Johannesburg, has made national headlines and caused widespread fear and anger.

Police are investigating whether any of the cases are connected and have offered a R400 000 reward for information that could lead to arrests. While the investigation continues, the tragedy has again highlighted the daily safety concerns faced by women across South Africa.

No woman is ever responsible for violence committed against her, and no safety measure can remove every risk.

Preventing violence remains the responsibility of perpetrators, law-enforcement agencies and society. However, taking a few practical precautions may help women respond more quickly when a situation feels unsafe.

Practical safety tips

• Avoid walking, running or waiting for transport alone in isolated areas, particularly before sunrise or after dark.
• Where possible, travel or exercise with a friend or in a group.
• Tell someone you trust where you are going, which route you will take and when you expect to return.
• Share your live location with a trusted contact when travelling alone.
• Keep your cellphone charged and carry a power bank when travelling or attending events.
• Save emergency numbers on your phone and write down the most important numbers in case your phone is lost or damaged.
• Avoid wearing headphones at a volume that prevents you from hearing vehicles, footsteps or activity around you.
• Park in well-lit areas and have your keys ready before approaching your vehicle.
• Check the back seat and surrounding area before getting into your car.
• Lock your doors immediately after entering your vehicle and avoid sitting in a parked car while distracted by your phone.
• Confirm the driver’s name, photograph, vehicle and registration number before entering an e-hailing vehicle.
• Share the trip details with a trusted person and do not enter a vehicle if any detail does not match the booking.
• Do not accept lifts from strangers or people whose identity cannot be confirmed.
• Be careful about sharing your home address, location, exercise route or daily routine publicly on social media.
• Trust your instincts. If a person, vehicle or situation makes you uncomfortable, leave immediately.
• If you believe you are being followed, move towards a busy, well-lit place such as a shop, police station or petrol station. Do not go directly home.
• Make noise and draw attention if someone threatens or grabs you. Shout clear instructions such as “Call the police”.
• Report suspicious people, vehicles or activity to the police. Do not approach or investigate the situation yourself.

Families should report a missing person immediately. There is no rule requiring relatives to wait 24 hours before opening a missing-person case.

Safety is a community responsibility
Women should not have to limit their lives because public spaces are unsafe.

Communities can help by maintaining streetlights, clearing overgrown areas and reporting suspicious behaviour.
Employers should consider safe parking, adequate lighting and transport arrangements for employees who work early mornings or late evenings.

Sports clubs and event organisers should provide visible security, safe meeting points and systems to confirm that participants have returned safely. Men also have a responsibility to challenge threatening behaviour, speak out against violence and intervene safely when women appear to be in danger. In an emergency, contact SAPS on 10111 or dial 112 from a cellphone.

Oudtshoorn – 044 203 9014 / 044 203 9000
Dysselsdorp – 044 251 8402 / 044 251 8403
De Rust – 044 241 2050
Calitzdorp – 044 213 3320 / 044 213 8800
Ladismith – 028 551 8100 / 028 551 8106
Prince Albert – 023 541 8000 / 023 541 8004

The national Gender-Based Violence Command Centre operates 24 hours a day on 0800 428 428. A free “Please Call Me” can be sent using 1207867#, or an SMS containing the word Help can be sent to 31531. (ANGELIQUE ERASMUS)

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