Cyril Ramaphosa says South African women's pain and suffering "stands out as a national shame"

At a public holiday event on Thursday, President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the recent killings of women in South Africa, saying they should be able to move around safely at any time. He said the women's ordeal reflected badly on the country. His remarks followed the discovery of the bodies of nine women, including runner Elizabeth Moselakgomo, in Johannesburg's East Rand over two months. Police are investigating whether one or more serial killers were responsible and have arrested three people in connection with some of the deaths, without saying the cases are linked. The killings triggered public gatherings, demonstrations and group runs, while women described changing routines or carrying weapons for protection. Calls to a government violence-against-women helpline rose in early September compared with the same period in August, and authorities had previously declared gender-based violence a national disaster.