Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference praises police response to women’s killings

The Justice and Peace Commission of the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference praised the South African Police Service for its response to the recent killings of nine women. In a statement released Wednesday, September 16, the bishops commended the police for creating a specialized multidisciplinary investigation team and deploying more resources to the areas affected by these deaths.

The police confirmed that nine women's bodies have been found in Ekurhuleni, east of Johannesburg, since July. The ninth victim was discovered on the morning of Thursday, September 17, in Dawn Park, Boksburg. While some of the women's identities remain unknown, the latest victim was found partially naked.

The bishops urged the police to maintain their current level of urgency until investigators establish the circumstances of every death and bring the perpetrators to justice. They also asked the public to assist authorities by providing information to help with the ongoing investigations.