Chikunga: Specialised team elevated to probe Ekurhuleni killings

By Thapelo Molefe

The multidisciplinary team investigating the deaths of nine women whose bodies were discovered in Ekurhuleni has been elevated and will now be coordinated by the Deputy National Commissioner for Detective Services.

Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Sindisiwe Chikunga made the announcement on Sunday while briefing the media on actions taken by the Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF).

Chikunga said the move followed President Cyril Ramaphosa’s directive that the investigation into the killings receive “the highest level of attention” from government and law enforcement agencies.

The IMC met on Thursday to consider recommendations from the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) on efforts to find the perpetrators.

The meeting was attended by the Gauteng Premier, the Executive Mayor of Ekurhuleni and representatives from the Johannesburg and Tshwane metros.

The IMC approved a comprehensive emergency strategy covering prevention