WATCH | Protests, police, water cannons mark anti-femicide demonstrations in Cape Town (Jenni Evans, News24)

The fear and horror over the rape and murder of women was brought to the attention of delegates attending the World Economic Forum in Cape Town on Wednesday with the refrain “Where is Cyril? Where is Cyril” being chanted by protesters outside the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC).

The echo of stun grenades being fired at protesters reverberated around the CBD, while a water cannon sprayed others sitting at a highway off-ramp and police vehicles scuppered their plan to occupy the highway until President Cyril Ramaphosa spoke to them. 

Posters bore the names of murdered UCT student Uyinene Mrwetyana, Meghan Cremer whose body was found in Philippi and Lynette Volschenk who was dismembered in her own home, while slogans saying “Fuck your agenda, we are sore” were written on pieces of cardboard in bold, black markers.