DA launches petition calling for action over Ekurhuleni women’s deaths

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has launched a petition calling for urgent action following the discovery of the bodies of nine women in Ekurhuleni, Gauteng, since July.

The petition, titled “Action, Not Advice”, was launched by DA Ekurhuleni mayoral candidate Khathutshelo Rasilingwane on Thursday, 17 September.

The move comes as police investigate whether the deaths are linked. A specialised multidisciplinary team has been established to investigate the cases, while police have offered a R400 000 reward for information that could lead to the arrest of those responsible.

DA CALLS FOR POLICE ACTION REGARDING EKURHULENI KILLINGS

Rasilingwane said the petition is aimed at rejecting what she described as advice from police for women to take greater responsibility for their own safety.

“I am launching this petition so that every person in South Africa can say, ‘I will not be told by the Police to protect myself. The SAPS must do what they receive billions of rands from our tax money to do – they must protect us from crime,’” she said.

Rasilingwane said the DA wanted “action, not advice” from law enforcement.

“We do not need SAPS to give us advice on our behaviour, we need their action to address crime once and for all,” she said.

The petition calls for better police resources, the clearance of the DNA evidence backlog and the publication of reliable gender-based violence and femicide statistics.

Rasilingwane also called on Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia to take urgent action to address the concerns raised by residents.

The DA has also offered an additional R500 000 reward for information that leads to the successful prosecution of the person or people responsible for the killings. The party said information must be submitted to the police, with proof of the report provided to the DA.

No mother should fear for her daughter.
No daughter should fear walking home.
No woman should have to wonder if she will make it home safely.

DA Mayoral candidate Khathutshelo Rasilingwane took a stand outside the police station in Ekurhuleni, demanding action against the… pic.twitter.com/iNqCkhycV6

— Democratic Alliance (@Our_DA) September 16, 2026

INVESTIGATION CONTINUES

The ninth woman’s body was discovered in Dawn Park on Thursday, bringing the number of women whose bodies have been found in the area since July to nine.

Police have not officially confirmed that all nine deaths are connected, although similarities between some of the cases have prompted a high-level investigation.

The Gauteng provincial government has defended the police safety advice, saying it was intended as an immediate precaution while investigations continue. Government spokesperson Elijah Mhlanga said SAPS had simultaneously increased police visibility and investigative activity in affected areas.

Meanwhile, community and women’s rights organisations have also called for urgent action. The Black Womxn Caucus and other groups held a picket outside Kempton Park police station on Friday, demanding justice and accountability for the victims