South Africa grapples with surge in femicides as violence against women reaches crisis levels

South Africa has among the world's highest rates of violence against women, according to NPR. A recent spate of killings—nine women murdered in the same area within weeks—has sparked renewed outrage and concern among residents and advocacy groups.

The killings underscore longstanding challenges in addressing gender-based violence in the country, where women report feeling unsafe in their daily lives and communities.