Delivering the keynote address at the International Association of Women Judges (IAWJ) biennial conference on Wednesday, the President said it is critical that these legal deficiencies are urgently identified and resolved.

“A central issue is overcoming the blind spots in the law and the legal system that are working against the rights and interests of survivors.

“For the fight against gender-based violence to be strengthened and have a measurable and sustainable impact, it is critical that these deficiencies are addressed to bring about change,” the President said.

Judges, magistrates, legal professionals and policymakers from across the world are currently meeting at the biennial conference of the IAWJ underway in Cape Town to address the global scourge of gender-based violence and femicide through judicial leadership and activism.

This year’s conference is organised under the theme” “Resilience: Women in Leadership to End Gender-Based Violence & Femicide”.

It is the first to be hosted in South Africa under the leadership of a female Chief Justice of the Republic of South Africa, Mandisa Maya, who is also the IAWJ Vice President.

President Ramaphosa last addressed the IAWJ back in 2022, which was the year the country passed a trio of laws to strengthen the legal framework and offer greater protection to survivors.

Following an extensive public consultation process, the country amended three existing laws as part of the wider effort to combat GBVF.

Amendments were made to the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act to introduce a new category of sexual intimidation, and to expand the scope of the National Register for Sex Offenders.

The Criminal and Related Matters Amendment Act was amended to regulate the granting and cancellation of bail, to regulate sentences for offenses committed against vulnerable persons, and to advance the right of complainants to participate in parole proceedings.

Lastly, the Domestic Violence Act was amended to expand the existing definitions of domestic violence, and to enable survivors to apply for protection orders online.

President Ramaphosa stressed that while courts are constitutionally mandated to dispense justice without fear or favour, it is equally important that justice is seen to be done.

He said that in addressing the scourge of gender-based violence, it is not enough to have laws in place — they must be implemented and enforced effectively.

“In the context of gender equality, and within the context of high levels of gender-based violence more specifically, what do we mean? It means laws cannot just be written — they must be enforced.

“It means that perpetrators must be held accountable, and that the sentences they are given should reflect the seriousness of their crimes. When judicial discretion is exercised in a prescribed minimum sentencing regime, the reasons for departure must indeed be substantial and compelling,” he said.

The President further highlighted the need for fairness, not only in ensuring the accused receives a fair trial, but also in how survivors of gender-based violence are treated by the courts.

“It means fairness, and this doesn’t only apply to an accused’s right to a fair trial. It also applies to fair treatment of survivors of GBV by our courts, and that they should not be subjected to bias and victim-blaming,” the President said.

President Ramaphosa emphasised that the IAWJ is a catalyst for change, highlighting the unique contribution that women judges make to the legal profession.

“As women judges, your lived experiences provide insight into the realities behind the cases, and you have the power to reshape how the law is interpreted, how justice is delivered, and how society evolves.

“This conference is an opportunity to sharpen our collective commitment to law that heals, courts that transform, and to systems that centre humanity,” he said.

In addition to utilising the law, President Ramaphosa emphasised the need to embark on many other efforts to combat gender-based violence and femicide, and have a multifaceted approach that will include education and spreading awareness about the importance of gender equality from a young age.

He also underscored the importance of engaging men and boys in the conversation to prevent gender-based violence. He further called on society to advocate for women’s empowerment and economic independence, which would help reduce their vulnerability to abuse.

“We must make men and boys part of the conversation to prevent gender-based violence. We should also as society insist that women should have more control over their lives and economic independence which will reduce their vulnerability to violence.

“I wish you well in your deliberations and I am confident that the outcomes of this conference will make a significant impact in advancing the fight against gender based violence and femicide,” the President said.

The biennial conference will end on Saturday, 12 April.

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Ramaphosa emphasised the evolving and complex nature of crime, stating that effective policing must go beyond traditional methods and address the root causes of criminality.

“Safeguarding our nation’s safety and security requires that we are proactive, innovative, and solutions-oriented in our approach,” the President said. He noted that the South African Police Service (SAPS), as a frontline institution, engages directly with communities on a daily basis and must be guided by Batho Pele principles, delivering high service standards, ensuring accessibility, consulting with the public, and treating all citizens with dignity and respect.

The President reiterated SAPS’s mission: to investigate and prevent crime, bring offenders to justice, address threats to public safety, and work towards resolving the underlying causes of criminal behaviour.

“Crime is both a cause and a symptom,” he said. “It weakens the social fabric and contributes to community instability. It also affects the economy, deterring investment, disrupting business activity, and increasing security costs.”

Ramaphosa highlighted societal issues that often lead to crime, including poverty, inequality, unemployment, patriarchy, and fractured family structures. “Addressing crime without understanding its root causes is like a doctor treating a fever without diagnosing the illness,” he said.

He welcomed the summit’s inclusive nature, noting the participation of government departments, civil society, community leaders, business, labour, and faith-based organisations. He stressed that since crime impacts every part of society, the response must be equally collective.

“Communities are our most powerful resource in fighting crime,” he said. He urged greater involvement of Community Policing Forums (CPFs) and encouraged citizens to take part in crime prevention through education, awareness, and neighbourhood initiatives. “This can no longer be seen as a supplementary effort, it is essential to an effective policing strategy.”

Ramaphosa also acknowledged the increasingly sophisticated threats facing the police, including organised crime, illegal mining, extortion syndicates, economic infrastructure theft, money laundering, and terror financing. Despite these challenges, he praised SAPS for achieving notable successes in its operations.

To build on these gains, he called for efforts to restore public trust, improve police-community relations, and support SAPS officers struggling with heavy workloads, limited resources, and outdated systems.

He pointed out that while the SAPS budget has increased over the past decade, the number of personnel has declined, even as the population has grown. “The resources of the police are stretched extremely thin. We must work smarter and make more effective use of what we have.”

Highlighting the importance of data in modern policing, the President said data must be analysed through a socio-economic lens to identify patterns and inform strategy. He cited examples such as the links between substance abuse and theft or alcohol abuse and gender-based violence, advocating for targeted interventions involving municipalities and community groups.

Ramaphosa expressed strong support for using modern technology to support police work, analyse crime trends, and improve engagement with the public. He welcomed the summit’s focus on digital tools, including mobile apps, online reporting systems, and virtual platforms to enhance access to SAPS services.

“There must be stronger collaboration between law enforcement agencies,” he added, noting the growing presence of organised criminal networks involved in drug manufacturing, kidnapping for ransom, illegal mining, and public infrastructure theft. Specialised police units need intelligence support and traditional detective work, which requires greater inter-agency cooperation and information-sharing.

On corruption within law enforcement, the President said, “Corruption is a scourge that has touched every corner of our society, including the SAPS.” He reaffirmed government’s commitment to accountability, whistleblower protection, and the National Anti-Corruption Strategy. However, he stressed that deeper cultural change is needed.

“It’s not enough to prosecute corrupt officers. We must build a culture of integrity and professionalism in the police service,” he said, urging the summit to focus on ethical leadership, recruitment of quality candidates, rigorous training, and meaningful career development.

Ramaphosa concluded his speech with a firm call to action: “If SAPS is to fulfil its vital mandate, we must emerge from this summit with a concrete plan to address the systemic issues hampering policing.”

“As a country, we owe the SAPS our full support. As government, we are unwavering in our commitment to turning the tide against crime and creating safer communities for all South Africans.”

The summit is expected to result in actionable recommendations to reform policing, enhance partnerships, and restore confidence in South Africa’s law enforcement system.

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Operation Shanela, loosely translated as “to sweep clean”, came into being under the watch of former police minister Bheki Cele.

Ramaphosa called the operation “a bold and decisive approach to dealing with crime” in his address to an invited audience at the Cape Town City Hall. Among others, it sees police using track and trace methods, roadblocks, stop and search and high visibility patrols to detain suspects and prevent the commission of crimes.

“We must tackle the scourge of gun violence that has plagued our society for decades,” SANews reports him saying, adding he asked Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and SAPS National Commissioner General Fannie Masemola to prioritise reducing gun-related crime and violence.

“This includes preventing the diversion of firearms into the illicit market and recovering illegal firearms in circulation. We know from international evidence and our own experience that this is the most effective way to reduce overall violent crime.”

He said police had partnered with metropolitan municipalities and was working with communities to fight crime in priority provinces where crime was particularly high.

“We want a nation in which everyone is safe. The police continue to work with other law enforcement agencies to dismantle organised crime syndicates and combat financial and violent crimes,” he said.

The SAPS Detective Service – crucial to solving cases – will be expanded by 4 000 personnel through internal recruitment processes.

“We are working on adopting surveillance, analytics and smart policing solutions for modern law enforcement.

“We have seen the value of technology in fighting crime. By using AI (artificial intelligence) in its fraud risk detection and verification work, SARS (SA Revenue Service) has prevented the leakage of over R95 billion in impermissible refunds, recovered R20 billion in revenue and dismantled an illicit tobacco and gold scheme,” SANews has Ramaphosa saying.

Government, according to the President, continues to work across society to end the violence perpetrated against women.

“We have promulgated the National Council on Gender-based Violence and Femicide Act, establishing a national structure to oversee a co-ordinated response to this crisis.”

Government, he said, would ensure the Council is fully functional and properly resourced.

“We continue to strengthen support to victims of gender-based violence. There are now 65 Thuthuzela care centres across the country. Out of 52 districts in the country, 44 have GBV (gender-based violence) shelters,” the President said.

All police stations in the country have victim friendly services and a further 16 sexual offences courts will be established in the next financial year.

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The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said the man arrested in connection with the murders was out on parole for a separate murder when the massacre took place.

The suspect made his first appearance in the Lusikisiki Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday in connection with the massacre, which left five others injured.

“Siphosoxolo Myekethe is facing 18 charges of murder and one count of possession of an unlicensed firearm, an [AKM type] assault rifle. During his brief appearance in court, the accused elected to be represented by a Legal Aid attorney and expressed his intention to exercise his right to apply for bail.

“The prosecution will be opposing bail against the alleged murderer, who has two previous convictions for escaping from legal custody and murder. He is currently out on parole for murder,” NPA regional spokesperson Luxolo Tyali said in a statement.

Myekethe is expected back in court on 15 October.

Previously, the SAPS indicated in a statement that investigations into the killings were at “an advanced but sensitive stage in relation to the arrest of the suspects linked to the gruesome murder.”

On Tuesday, President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed deep sorrow following the killing of six community patrollers in Tina Falls/Godini on Sunday night. The patrollers were reportedly preparing for duty at their base at Lugongozo Senior Secondary School when attackers opened fire on the group. Six of the patrollers were fatally wounded, with four others injured in the attack.

The President offered his condolences to the families of the victims and extended wishes for a speedy recovery to the injured. Further, President Ramaphosa condemned the violence, describing it as a grave loss to the community and an assault on the efforts of ordinary citizens to maintain safety in their area.

The President had previously conveyed his condolences to the families of the 18 people killed last month.

Separately, Cabinet has applauded the successes of intelligence-led operations conducted in the Verulam and Highflats areas in KwaZulu-Natal.

“In the Verulam operation, police confronted a mastermind and one of the most wanted suspects in most of the cash-in-transit robberies in KwaZulu-Natal. The suspect was killed in a shootout after he opened fire against the police. Similarly, two suspects in the murder of seven people in the Highflats case were killed in a shootout with the police,” said a statement released by Cabinet.

According to reports last month, seven people, including three children, were allegedly killed in what appeared to be an execution-style attack, while sitting in their home.

Cabinet has applauded the continued success of Operation Shanela, which has garnered over 10 000 arrests over the previous week.

“Cabinet further commended a joint operation in Limpopo that led to the discovery of a drug lab in Lebowakgomo, where drugs to the value of approximately R4 million were seized and three suspects arrested,” said the statement from Cabinet.

It has also welcomed the arrest of six engineering firm directors accused of Black Economic Empowerment fronting and tender fraud of approximately R400 million at Eskom and Sasol.

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The patrollers were reportedly preparing for duty at their base at Lugongozo Senior Secondary School when attackers struck with an assortment of firearms.

In addition to the six fatalities, four other patrollers were injured in the attack.

The President offered his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and extended wishes for a speedy recovery to the injured.

He condemned the violence, describing it as a grave loss to the community and an assault on the efforts of ordinary citizens to maintain safety in their area.

“Our thoughts are with the families of these community members who died in the course of playing their part to keep their area safe. Following so soon after an equally tragic shooting at Lusikisiki, this new incident saddens and outrages us,” President Ramaphosa said on Tuesday.

Last month, in the same province, 18 people lost their lives in a mass shooting in Ngobozana village, in Lusikisiki. In that tragedy, the President assured the grieving families that the South African Police Service (SAPS) had mobilised all available resources to bring the perpetrators to justice.

In his statement on Tuesday, the President vowed that justice would be served, warning that criminals, along with anyone who sheltered or protected them, would face the full might of the law.

He reaffirmed government’s commitment to working with communities to ensure safety in homes, neighbourhoods, and public spaces.

“However, it should also add to our resolve to stop criminals from terrorising communities in the mistaken belief that they’re untouchable. They will be brought to justice alongside anyone who harbours such criminals and does not report information to the authorities.

“Government will continue to work with communities to ensure our homes, neighbourhoods and public spaces are safe and that criminals know they will pay for their deeds.”

The President welcomed the progress made in the investigation into the incident by the police, which has reportedly yielded a positive lead in the case.

Police update

The National Commissioner of the SAPS, General Fannie Masemola, said he was confident that police were following a positive lead in apprehending suspects linked to the killing of the six community patrollers.

Masemola visited the crime scene on Monday.

In a statement, the police said a team of specialised detectives from the district office of the SAPS in Mthatha, were hot on the heels of the suspects wanted in connection with the incident.

“The investigation is ongoing, and arrests are imminent in this regard; as the detective leads are pointing at ongoing stock theft related matters between the affected village and other neighbouring villages,” said Masemola.

With regards to last month’s killing of 18 family members, police said investigations “are at an advanced but sensitive stage in relation to the arrest of the suspects linked to the gruesome murder of 18 family members and relatives in Lusikisiki last week”.

A multi-disciplinary team and detectives from specialised operational environments has been on the ground, since last week and significant progress has been made.

“To date, the joint provincial and national teams are working around the clock to apprehend the wanted suspects and to maintain law and order in the affected areas.”

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The President was speaking during the signing ceremony of the Cooperation Agreement to Combat Crime in Cape Town on Friday.

“Today by signing this cooperation agreement, we are saying enough is enough. Genoeg is genoeg. Kwanele. Our mothers and daughters here in the Cape are tired of not being able to walk around, without fear. We want those criminals to be caught and arrested. They must not be seen here in our streets.

“Parents, teachers and learners… are also saying they are tired of thugs causing chaos at schools and bringing weapons and drugs into the classrooms. They are tired as young people that their lives are being wasted by drugs. The people also no longer want to see these things peddled among them,” he said.

While referencing an incident where four would-be extortionists were killed during a shootout with police, the President said police were pouncing on those terrorising the community.

“We are now taking the war against those who extort money. We are taking the war against the construction mafia. We are taking the war against gangsters. We are now going to take you on and make sure that you are brought to justice,” he asserted.

The President assured residents and businesses that government has heard their cries and is working to address the challenge of crime.

“The gangsters are tearing our communities apart and this is costing lives. Businesses are being forced to pay protection fees and of being under siege from criminals who are destroying their businesses. We are here to show you that we do take your concerns into account and we take them seriously.

“The South African Police Service is at the forefront of the fight against crime. It is making progress in taking our streets back from criminals. Last year, we launched Operation Shanela which brings together various law enforcement agencies to deal effectively with crime.

“Since March 2023, more than 800 000 suspects have been arrested for various offences ranging from murder, rape, kidnapping, gender-based violence and a whole number of other acts of criminality,” he said.

The President added that in the Western Cape, Operation Shanela is also “making its mark”.

“We are clamping down on illicit firearms. During police operations in the Western Cape over a 12 month period more than 3 000 firearms were confiscated. Dedicated task teams are disrupting drug operations across the province.

“For example, in July, law enforcement officials intercepted cocaine with an estimated value of R252 million in Stilbaai and arrested a number of suspects,” he said.

Joining hands

Turning to the Cooperation Agreement to Combat Crime itself, the President explained that it will pave the way for “sharing technology and resources, information and best practice to improve the state of public policing”.

“Through this agreement we are sharpening our response to serious and violent crime. The exchange of information on crime activity and suspects will make this province safer. The exchange of information of new crime trends will ensure that we are one step ahead of criminals.

“Greater collaboration will make it easier to trace suspects and wanted persons who are evading arrest and prosecution. By drawing on each other’s expertise, we will be able to do much more than if we were each working alone,” he said.

The President called on the residents themselves to not only leave it up to government but to take hands with law enforcement to root out criminality.

“We cannot win the war against crime without you. I want to call on each and every one of you to join national and provincial government, the SAPS and the City of Cape Town to help us take our communities back from those who cause violence, discord and criminality.

“Let us continue to work together to realise a Cape Town, a Western Cape and a South Africa that has no place for criminals and crime,” President Ramaphosa concluded.

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Ramaphosa, through his weekly newsletter, said that not only does crime cause trauma and instability, it is also an impediment to South Africa’s economic growth and development – an issue which government is ‘transfixed’ with solving.

“During the sixth administration, we established specialised task teams to deal with economic sabotage such as cable theft, the vandalism of power installations and railway lines, illicit mining and extortion in the construction industry.

“These crimes are highly organised and run by syndicates. As such, we have taken a multi-pronged strategy to combat them. Over the past five years, 722 so-called construction mafia suspects have been arrested for extortion at construction sites. Fifty-two have so far been convicted and sentenced to terms ranging from 7 months to 89 years imprisonment.

“Our approach to crime-fighting has had to evolve in response to new types of crime. These include illicit mining and construction site extortion, and, more recently, kidnappings for ransom and more sophisticated drug manufacturing and smuggling operations,” the President said.

“Crime, even if it has not affected us directly, is everybody’s problem. If we continue to work together as government, the business community, labour and civil society, we can restore the safety and security that is critical to economic activity and the creation of jobs,” Ramaphosa said on Monday 5 August.

Honing in on Operation Shanela – government’s multi-sectoral crime fighting strategy – the President said the vital initiative continues to gain momentum.

“Through roadblocks, stop and search operations, foot patrols and business compliance inspections, Operation Shanela’s teams have made important progress in dealing with crime hotspots and organised crime syndicates.

“The update delivered by the SAPS [South African Police Service] last week noted that solid police work over the past year had resulted in more than 700 000 arrests for various crimes, including murder, cash-in-transit robberies, vehicle hijacking and sexual offences.

“Over the past two years more than 20 000 firearms have been seized, including several homemade guns and rifles. More than 3000 firearms were seized in the Western Cape, where gun violence amongst warring gangs is particularly rife,” Ramaphosa said.

He emphasised that through working together, citizens can take back their communities. “If, as communities, we play an active role in supporting the police through the CPFs [community police forum] and other structures, we can indeed take back our homes, our businesses, our communities and our streets from criminals. If we continue the good work started through Operation Shanela, we can beat crime and build a safe and secure country,” Ramaphosa said.

The President’s comments come as the Save South Africa Civic Movement called on Ramaphosa to declare a state of emergency on crime. In a statement on 29 July, the movement said, “it is not a secret that the citizens of this country are living in constant fear due to the ugly face of crime in our country. The criminals in this country have declared war against the citizens including the President. This ‘crime-flood’ is attacking our economy directly and it has the potential to destroy our tourism industry and Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMMEs).

“Our country is in the hands of both the local and foreign criminals and the only strong and strategic way in facing crime head on is through the declaration of state of emergency. It is our view that the state of emergency will bring positive results as we have seen during Covid-19. We are further saying, if the President is serious about ending crime, criminal activities and crime committed by illegal immigrants, he will call for a state of emergency without hesitation,” said Save South Africa Civic Movement spokesperson Tebogo Mashilompane.

“The state of emergency will, one, deal with crime in general within the country. Two, it will be able to silence and get rid of foreign criminals who see South Africa as their playing ground. And this has nothing to do with xenophobia but crime and criminals. We reject any attitude that seeks to suggest that we will encourage xenophobia. This is about our country and nothing else”.

“So, we are saying Mr President, you have a Constitutional duty to protect the citizens. We are further saying; President make use of the powers vested upon you by the Constitution of South Africa and declare a state of emergency on crime once, and for all,” Mashilompane said.

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