South African female joggers arm themselves after string of murders sparks nationwide protests
Women runners in Johannesburg are now carrying knives and pepper spray after a series of murders of female joggers, prompting protests and a national outcry.
Over the past two months, nine women, many of them runners, were discovered murdered in Johannesburg’s East Rand, the latest being Elizabeth Moselakgomo, whose body was found three days after she vanished. The killings, some victims found partially naked and battered, have driven runners such as Nancy Masha to carry knives and pepper spray on daily jogs. Community vigils, protests and solidarity runs have drawn participants from Kempton Park to Cape Town, demanding better protection for women.
The 24-hour Gender-Based Violence Command Centre logged 6,782 distress calls between Sept 1-16, a 21 % rise on the previous month. Police have arrested three people—one man and two women—but the arrests have not eased public anxiety. President Cyril Ramaphosa called the murders a national shame and affirmed women’s right to move freely without fear.
Why it matters
The murders highlight South Africa's deep gender-based violence crisis and its impact on everyday safety for women.
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