Durban, KwaZulu-Natal — 17 September 2026
Gagasi FM, The Sound of KZN, is standing firmly against Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF), adding its voice to the growing national call for a South Africa where women and children can live, work, travel, love and simply exist without fear of violence.
The station’s call comes at a deeply painful moment for South Africa, following the recent deaths of women in Ekurhuleni, Gauteng, where police are investigating a series of cases involving women’s bodies discovered across different locations over the past two months.
As of 17 September 2026, police have confirmed the discovery of a ninth woman’s body in Ekurhuleni, adding to the national concern surrounding the deaths. Authorities are investigating whether there are links between some of the cases, while cautioning the public against speculation as the investigations continue. A high-level multidisciplinary team has been established to investigate the deaths.
The developments have once again forced South Africa to confront the devastating reality of violence against women.
For Gagasi FM, these are not simply statistics or headlines.
They are women.
They were daughters.
They were mothers.
They were sisters.
They were friends.
They were colleagues.
They were members of families and communities whose lives mattered.
Among the women whose identities have been publicly confirmed is 38-year-old Elizabeth “Tsontso” Moselakgomo, whose family identified her remains after she disappeared following a run. Itumeleng Kekana, 32, was also identified after her family spent days searching for her. Dineo Evelyn Motapane, 38, was identified following the discovery of her body in KwaThema, Springs. Other women remain unidentified as investigations continue.
Gagasi FM extends its deepest condolences to every family affected by these devastating losses.
“WE REFUSE TO NORMALISE VIOLENCE.”
Gender-Based Violence cannot become something that South Africans simply become accustomed to.
It cannot be reduced to another breaking-news alert.
It cannot become another hashtag that trends for a few hours before the country moves on.
And it cannot continue to be treated as an issue that belongs only to women.
GBV is a societal issue.
It requires men to speak to men.
It requires families to have difficult conversations.
It requires communities to intervene.
It requires institutions to respond.
And it requires all of us to reject the attitudes and behaviours that allow violence, abuse and misogyny to take root.
Gagasi FM believes that the fight against GBVF must include education, accountability, prevention, support, community action and meaningful conversations about respect and equality.
As a proudly KZN-rooted broadcaster, the station recognises the powerful role that radio and digital media can play in changing conversations and encouraging communities to act.
OUR PLATFORM, OUR RESPONSIBILITY
Gagasi FM reaches people in their homes, cars, workplaces, communities and through its growing digital platforms.
That reach comes with responsibility.
The station will continue creating spaces where difficult conversations can happen — conversations around relationships, respect, consent, healthy masculinity, women’s safety, community responsibility and the prevention of violence.
Gagasi FM also calls on men across KwaZulu-Natal and South Africa to challenge one another to become part of the solution.
“PROTECTING WOMEN CANNOT BE WOMEN’S RESPONSIBILITY ALONE.”
The recent events in Ekurhuleni have left communities frightened and grieving.
Gagasi FM stands with those communities and with every family waiting for answers.
The station welcomes the ongoing efforts by law-enforcement authorities to investigate the cases and urges anyone with credible information relevant to the investigations to cooperate with the authorities.
Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia has said a high-level multidisciplinary team has been established and that police visibility in Kempton Park and surrounding areas is being increased. Police have also appealed for information that could assist the investigations.
Gagasi FM further urges the public to avoid spreading unverified information, names or allegations on social media while investigations remain ongoing.
A MESSAGE TO WOMEN
To every woman who feels afraid, unheard or unsafe:
Your life matters.
Your voice matters.
Your dignity matters.
Your safety matters.
You deserve to live without fear.
And to the families who have lost loved ones:
We see you. We hear you. We mourn with you.
Your loved ones were more than the circumstances surrounding their deaths.
They were people with dreams, personalities, families, friendships and futures.
Their lives deserve to be remembered with dignity.
A MESSAGE TO MEN
To the men of KwaZulu-Natal:
This conversation includes us.
Let us raise boys who understand respect.
Let us challenge harmful ideas about masculinity.
Let us teach our sons that women are not possessions.
Let us speak when we witness abuse.
Let us support survivors.
Let us hold one another accountable.
And let us create communities where women do not have to constantly calculate whether they are safe.
GAGASI FM STANDS.
Gagasi FM stands with women.
Gagasi FM stands with children.
Gagasi FM stands with families affected by violence.
Gagasi FM stands with communities demanding justice.
And Gagasi FM stands against Gender-Based Violence and Femicide.
Because The Sound of KZN is not only about the music we play.
It is about the people we serve.
It is about the communities we represent.
It is about using our voice when it matters.
ALUKHO USUKU OLUNGEFIKI.
The day must come when women can walk home without fear.
The day must come when children grow up understanding respect rather than violence.
The day must come when communities refuse to protect perpetrators and instead protect people.
And until that day comes, Gagasi FM will continue to speak.
ENOUGH IS ENOUGH.
GAGASI FM STANDS AGAINST GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE.
Gagasi FM — The Sound of KZN.
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#GagasiStands
#EndGBV
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