Calls to Gender-Based Violence Command Centre Surge Amid Ekurhuleni Women’s Deaths Investigation

The Department of Social Development has reported a marked increase in calls to its 24-hour Gender-Based Violence Command Centre (GBVCC) following the discovery of multiple women’s bodies in Ekurhuleni, Gauteng. Between 1 and 16 September 2026, the centre received 6,782 calls, averaging 424 calls per day, a 21% rise compared with the daily average of 350 calls recorded in August.

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This surge in demand for support services peaked between 13 and 16 September, with daily calls reaching approximately 500, and a single-day high of 589 calls on 16 September. The department attributes this increase to heightened public concern about gender-based violence and femicide, particularly after reports of around nine women found dead in Ekurhuleni since July.

Police investigations into these deaths remain active and have expanded beyond Ekurhuleni to include a tenth victim discovered in Moroka, Soweto. However, authorities have not confirmed definitive links among the cases or the involvement of a serial killer. Identification efforts have progressed, with seven of nine victims’ names released by 21 September, though earlier reports noted only two formally identified as of 16 September.

In response to the situation, government has intensified law enforcement through an expanded Operation Shanela in Ekurhuleni. This includes increased metro police involvement to enforce bylaws, combat illegal liquor and drug sales, and strengthen border security. The City of Ekurhuleni is also undertaking environmental clean-up efforts, such as clearing overgrown areas and illegal dumping sites, as part of the Clean Cities and Towns programme and the redirected Love Your Street campaign, which mobilises communities to improve neighbourhood safety.

Community groups, including the feminist organisation Black Womxn Caucus, have staged protests demanding urgent action and accountability from authorities. They have called for protection of women and swift arrests of those responsible for the killings. The Inter-Ministerial Committee on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide emphasises the need for collective responsibility, urging men and boys to actively challenge harmful behaviours and for communities to report suspicious activity promptly.

The Department of Social Development cautions that while the increase in GBVCC calls reflects greater demand for assistance, it does not necessarily indicate a sustained rise in gender-based violence incidents. The department encourages the public to continue reporting abuse and to share the GBV Command Centre’s contact details widely. Support is available via phone at 0800 428 428, Please Call Me service at 1207867#, SMS by sending HELP to 31531, or Skype at Helpme GBV.

Gender-based violence remains a complex societal challenge requiring coordinated efforts from government, law enforcement, civil society, businesses, and individuals to create safer communities and support survivors effectively.