South Africa’s gender commissioner has raised alarm over a surge in femicide, describing the pattern of killings as a systematic targeting of women. Speaking to Al Jazeera, the commissioner said that the country is experiencing a “hunting” of women, with the number of murders of females on the rise and the response from authorities lagging behind the scale of the problem.
According to the commissioner, the increase in gender‑based killings reflects deep‑rooted societal attitudes that condone violence against women. She highlighted that many cases go unsolved and that families of victims often receive little support, contributing to a climate of fear and impunity.
The official noted that existing legal frameworks and policing practices have not kept pace with the growing threat, calling for urgent reforms. She urged the government to allocate more resources to investigative units, improve data collection on gender‑based crimes, and implement comprehensive prevention programmes that address the cultural drivers of violence.
In response, the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities acknowledged the seriousness of the issue and pledged to strengthen coordination among law‑enforcement agencies. The department indicated plans to review current policies and to work with civil‑society organisations to develop targeted interventions aimed at protecting women and girls.
Human‑rights groups have repeatedly warned that South Africa’s femicide rates are among the highest in the world, and the commissioner’s remarks echo calls for a national strategy that integrates legal, social and educational measures. Advocates argue that without a coordinated approach, the cycle of violence is likely to persist.
The commissioner concluded by emphasizing that addressing femicide requires a collective effort from government, communities and the private sector, and that failure to act would continue to endanger the lives of women across the nation.
Reporting attribution: based on reporting by Al Jazeera — All News — original source: https://www.aljazeera.com/video/newsfeed/2026/9/17/09-17-26-south-africa-femicide-sv-mp4?traffic_source=rss.