Durban – KwaZulu- Natal Premier Sihle Zikalala on Tuesday said that preliminary investigations into the uMthwalume murders showed that the victims were raped prior to being killed.
Zikalala visited the community in a bid to come up with a strategy to deal with gender-based violence in the area.
The bodies of six women were found in a local sugarcane field since April.
According to officials, the sixth body found in uMthwalume could not be linked to the other five.
Zikalala said that the community needed to introspect while investigations into the murders continued.
“We need to look at societal factors that are a cause of this situation. We need to work together with communities in an effort to bring back ubuntu, in an effort to eliminate drugs and all criminal activities that are prevalent in the area.”
Zikalala held a wreath-laying ceremony in honour of the women. He’s visited the affected families.
Zikalala is expected to meet with community leaders this afternoon in a bid to find a lasting solution to safety issues.
