Pretoria: Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Sindisiwe Chikunga has called on law-enforcement agencies to act with urgency to identify, arrest, and bring to justice those responsible for attacks on women exercising in public spaces.
According to South African Government News Agency, Chikunga's call follows reports of women being attacked while running and exercising, including the reported murders of four women in Kempton Park and the mugging of another woman in Centurion's Rooihuiskraal area while returning from a gym. The Minister condemned the incidents as a direct threat to women's fundamental right to move freely and participate in physical activities without fear of violence, harassment, or intimidation.
She emphasized the disturbing nature of these cases, highlighting the urgent need for a coordinated and decisive response to ensure the safety of women in public spaces. 'Women should not have to choose between their safety and their health. No woman should fear for her life simply because she has chosen to run, walk, or exercise in a public space. Women must be free to exercise, walk, and run without fear. This is unacceptable,' Chikunga stated.
The Minister called for immediate and visible action by law enforcement, municipalities, and other relevant stakeholders to enhance safety in public spaces, particularly areas used for walking, running, and recreational activities. Proposed measures include increased police visibility, effective community-based safety initiatives, improved lighting and infrastructure, rapid-response mechanisms, and stronger collaboration between law-enforcement agencies, municipalities, community organizations, and residents.
Chikunga also urged communities to reject the normalization of violence against women and actively support initiatives aimed at creating safer public spaces. 'The safety of women cannot be treated as an occasional public concern that receives attention only after tragedy has occurred. Preventing violence requires sustained action, accountability, and a visible commitment to ensuring that women can live, work, exercise, and participate in society without fear,' the Minister affirmed.
The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to engaging relevant stakeholders on measures to strengthen the safety of women and girls and ensure that incidents of violence against women receive the urgent attention they deserve. 'Women have the right to occupy public spaces. Women have the right to exercise. Women have the right to come home safely,' Chikunga reiterated.
The Minister's comments come as the South African Police Service (SAPS) warns women in and around Kempton Park, particularly the Rhodesfield area, to exercise extreme caution following the discovery of four bodies over approximately two months. In its statement, the SAPS noted concerning similarities in the circumstances surrounding the deaths, prompting a public warning and intensified investigations.
The SAPS has urged women in and around Kempton Park to avoid walking or running alone, especially in isolated areas. 'They should avoid secluded spaces, remain vigilant, and, where possible, travel or exercise in groups. The safety of women remains a priority for SAPS, and the police will not wait for further incidents before taking decisive action,' the statement read.
In addition, the Acting National Commissioner of the SAPS, Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane, has directed the Gauteng Provincial Commissioner to immediately establish a dedicated multidisciplinary task team to investigate these cases and determine potential links between the incidents. 'SAPS is appealing to anyone who may have information that could assist the investigation, particularly residents, motorists, security personnel, and community members who may have observed suspicious activity in the Rhodesfield and surrounding areas, to come forward,' the statement concluded.