Women change daily routines as fear grows after Ekurhuleni murders

The discovery of nine women’s bodies in Ekurhuleni in the past few weeks has left women in nearby communities changing the way they travel, move around and protect themselves.

For women living in and around Kempton Park and Thembisa, ordinary routines have taken on a new level of fear.

Walking home, waiting for transport or travelling alone are things many women have always had to think about, but the recent discovery of nine women’s bodies in the area has made them even more cautious.

Some say they are avoiding places they previously used to go to without thinking twice, while others make sure someone knows where they are at all times.

Lesedi Ntsobe from Makhulong section in Thembisa said the reports had made her more aware of her surroundings.

She said she now pays closer attention when walking and travelling, particularly when she is alone.

“Before, I would just walk and not think much about who is behind me or who is around me. Now I make sure I am aware of my surroundings,” she said.

Ntsobe said women were being forced to think about their safety in situations that previously felt normal.

She now informs people close to her about where she is going and avoids walking alone where possible.

Speaking to TimesLIVE in Kempton Park, Nomvula Ngubani said the reports had also changed the way she approached her daily movements.

She said she was more careful about when she travelled and tried not to be outside alone late at night.

“I don’t want to be outside late anymore. If I know that I will be coming back late, I make sure I have someone with me or I arrange transport,” she said.

She is also a survivor of a violent attack and a sexual assault that she says happened in March 2025 while she and her friend were travelling to a birthday party.

Ngubani said they were attacked, sexually assaulted and robbed of their phones, and taken into bushes before being forced to go towards a dam.