South Africa 'feels like a prison' for women amid spate of femicides
A series of brutal femicides in Johannesburg has sparked widespread fear and public outcry across South Africa. Activists and citizens are criticizing the government's response, arguing that authorities have failed to ensure the safety of women despite declaring gender-based violence a national disaster.
Why it matters
The article highlights a critical human rights crisis and the ongoing struggle for gender equality and safety in South Africa.
JOHANNESBURG — Elizabeth Moselakgomo, a 38-year-old manager, mother, and keen runner, went out for her usual afternoon jog in her neighborhood near the Johannesburg airport last week and never returned.
When she failed to come home, her 8-year-old daughter called relatives, who contacted the police. Five days later Moselakgomo's half-naked body was found in the area, with her face so badly beaten it was unrecognisable.
Moselakgomo is one of nine women who police say have been found slain, most of them in a period of a few weeks, in the same area of South Africa's biggest city. The majority of them were sexually assaulted.
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