The South African Police Service (SAPS) has reiterated its commitment to tackling gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), as the country continues to grapple with a series of killings of women and renewed calls for stronger action against violence.
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The latest pledge comes amid heightened public concern following the discovery of multiple women’s bodies in Gauteng.
SAPS Acting National Commissioner Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane said the police would leave no stone unturned in efforts to identify, trace and bring those responsible to justice.
Police intensify response
According to eNCA, the deaths of women in and around Ekurhuleni have intensified scrutiny of the country’s response to GBV. Police have launched investigations into the cases, while authorities continue working to establish whether the incidents are connected.
Reuters also reported that three people were arrested in connection with the killing of a woman whose body was found east of Johannesburg. Police have also said that more than 350 people were arrested for rape during a week-long crackdown.
SAPS has stressed that its response involves both investigations and preventative policing. Its operations have included high-visibility patrols, targeted enforcement and cooperation between different law-enforcement agencies.
SAPS focusing on gaps in GBVF response
Earlier this year, SAPS outlined efforts to strengthen its response to GBVF, including reviewing protection orders and identifying gaps in the way cases are handled. The police service has also acknowledged the importance of working with government departments, civil society organisations and communities.
The SAPS approach forms part of a broader strategy that includes strengthening the criminal justice system, preventing violence through education and community involvement, supporting victims and encouraging responsible citizenship.
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Zero tolerance message
The police have repeatedly used a zero-tolerance approach when discussing violence against women and children. In December 2025, Limpopo SAPS said its GBVF community engagement programme was intended to reinforce a zero-tolerance stance against violent crime and encourage communities to speak out against abuse.
Recent cases have also demonstrated the role of specialised police units in pursuing GBV-related prosecutions. In June, a Northern Cape detective’s investigation contributed to the conviction of a man for assaulting his life partner and contravening a protection order.
According to Reuters, recent killings in Gauteng have prompted renewed public concern, with authorities facing calls to ensure investigations are thorough and perpetrators are brought before the courts.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has also called for thorough investigations into the deaths.
While police enforcement is an important part of the response, SAPS has acknowledged that addressing GBVF requires cooperation across government, communities and civil society. Its own strategic discussions have highlighted the need for adequate resources, staffing, infrastructure and effective implementation of existing plans.
For survivors or people experiencing abuse, reporting incidents to the police and seeking assistance from appropriate support services can be an important step toward accessing protection and justice.
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