BUSA Statement on The Spate of Brutal Murders of Women

Johannesburg, Wednesday, 16 September 2026. Business Unity South Africa (BUSA) is outraged by the brutal killing of women in Ekurhuleni, particularly in the Kempton Park area. These murders are an assault on human dignity, constitutional rights and the values on which our society rests. We extend our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims.

No woman should live in fear or be denied the freedom to move, work and participate fully in society. Violence against women is not a private or marginal issue; it is a national crisis that harms communities, weakens our economy and diminishes us all.

We call on the South African Police Service and the wider criminal justice system to act with urgency and resolve. Every report of a missing person or gender-based violence must receive an immediate and effective response, followed by thorough investigation, prosecution and accountability.
We welcome the President’s directive that these cases be prioritised. That same urgency must be the standard in every case, not only those that attract national attention. We urge anyone with information to assist law-enforcement agencies.

As the business community, we care deeply about the safety and well-being of the society in which we operate. BUSA stands ready to work with government, labour, civil society and communities on prevention, survivor support, safer workplaces and stronger accountability.

This crisis demands an all-in response. Silence, delay and fragmented action are no longer acceptable. Every sector and every community must act—together, now and with sustained commitment—until women are safe in their homes, workplaces and public spaces.

ENDS
ISSUED BY:
Khulekani Mathe, Chief Executive Officer