Hlomla Dandala Highlights Crucial Three-Minute Window to Prevent Sexual Violence Amid Ekurhuleni Murders

South African actor and producer Hlomla Dandala has brought attention to a critical three-minute period that could be decisive in preventing sexual violence. This insight emerged from conversations he and others held with convicted rapists in prisons, aiming to understand the moments leading up to an attack. Dandala described this interval—from a perpetrator introducing himself to a potential victim to the point of sexual penetration—as a narrow window for possible intervention.

Inspired by the concept of “Vimba,” a call for help used in taxi ranks, Dandala and his collaborators developed a discreet emergency button system. When activated, it would alert emergency services and people within approximately 100 metres, mobilising nearby responders without requiring them to confront the attacker directly. The system also aimed to generate audio and video evidence through participating mobile phones, potentially aiding investigations.

Despite the promise of this initiative, Dandala has acknowledged challenges that prevented its large-scale implementation. Funding issues, institutional obstacles, and security concerns hindered progress, limiting the project’s reach.

Meanwhile, the South African government continues to respond to a series of tragic murders of women in Ekurhuleni, Gauteng. Since July 2026, nine bodies have been discovered in the area, with the ninth found in Dawn Park on 17 September. Authorities have identified eight of the victims and questioned three persons of interest. However, investigations have not established that all deaths are connected.

The Inter-Ministerial Committee on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (IMC on GBVF) has approved a Comprehensive Emergency Strategy to address these killings. The investigation has been elevated to a multidisciplinary specialised team coordinated by the Deputy National Commissioner of Detective Services. The strategy emphasises prevention, law enforcement, victim support, and community involvement.

Dandala’s reflections on the three-minute window underscore the urgency of rapid response in cases of sexual violence. His approach focuses on enabling quick assistance to potential victims, aiming to prevent attacks before they escalate. While the recent murders in Ekurhuleni highlight the ongoing severity of gender-based violence in South Africa, initiatives like Dandala’s seek practical ways to save lives and support communities.