South Africa searches for another woman, Ramaphosa prepares national address

South African police are racing to find another woman reported missing in Soshanguve, north of Pretoria, as President Cyril Ramaphosa prepares to address the nation on gender-based violence following the killings of nine women in Ekurhuleni.

Police said Kutlwano Masilo, 33, was last seen on Tuesday, Sept. 22, in Block F, Soshanguve, and her whereabouts remain unknown.

"The South African Police Service (SAPS) in Soshanguve is appealing to the public for assistance in locating 33-year-old Kutlwano Masilo, who was reported #missing," police said in a statement on X.

Police urged anyone with information to come forward and stressed that there is no waiting period before a missing person can be reported.

Violence against women

"There is no waiting period to report missing persons. Provide as much information as possible when reporting the case at your local police station. Provide the latest photograph of the missing person," police urged the public.

The appeal comes amid heightened concern over violence against women after the bodies of nine women were found in Ekurhuleni over the past two months. Three suspects have been arrested in connection with one of the cases.

Ramaphosa, speaking at a National Heritage Day event in Oudtshoorn on Thursday, said he would address the nation in the coming days on the government's response and the investigations into the killings.

"The heritage of our women is that they must be able to walk around without any fear that they will be attacked or raped or killed," Ramaphosa said.