Ekurhuleni mayor in South Africa calls killings of women a crisis
Ekurhuleni Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza in South Africa said the killings of women in the area had reached a “crisis point” after a woman’s body was found in KwaThema. As TimesLIVE reports, the woman, who was preliminarily believed to be about 30 years old, was found on Tuesday morning behind KwaThema Centre.
This is the sixth woman whose body has been found in the Ekurhuleni metropolitan area within two months. Concerned residents gathered at the scene after the discovery. Xhakaza and Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department chief Jabulani Isaac Mapiye also arrived there.
Support for the investigation
The mayor said the city authorities were concerned about the fear that had gripped communities and would support the police investigation. According to him, surveillance cameras are installed in the city and may help investigators identify those involved in the crimes. He called on residents and relevant services to join forces.
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Xhakaza also stressed that incidents should be reported to the police and other authorities. According to him, unreported cases make it more difficult to identify patterns.
Security concerns
Residents of the area pointed to non-functioning street lighting and tall grass. The mayor noted that these problems needed to be addressed, but should not be considered the cause of the killings. He said the city must cut the grass and provide street lighting as part of its response to security concerns.
City authorities will also cooperate with community policing forums, security-sector representatives and other community structures. Mapiye said the metro police would work together with the South African Police Service, remain at the scene, and increase staffing and resources for the investigation.
