Eleven Women Found Dead Near Johannesburg; Serial Killer Suspected

South African police have confirmed the discovery of eleven women's bodies in and around Ekurhuleni, east of Johannesburg, since mid-July 2026, intensifying concerns about a possible serial killer in the region. The latest body was found on Sunday in Springs, part of Ekurhuleni, by a private security company patrolling the area. A 36-year-old suspect was arrested in connection with this death and was set to appear in court at the Tembisa Magistrates Court on Tuesday; he allegedly fled to Tzaneen in Limpopo province, approximately 400 kilometres away, after the killing.

The pattern of discoveries has escalated alarm: three bodies were found in July and August within 6 kilometres of each other, followed by six bodies discovered within 10 days in early September. Police have confirmed similarities in some of the killings—most victims were women in their 20s or 30s, many found partially or fully naked with signs of extreme violence—but have stated they have not found conclusive evidence linking all cases to a single perpetrator. Provincial police chief Tommy Mthombeni told state broadcaster SABC that investigators believe the ninth killing, discovered on September 17, was an isolated case stemming from a relationship-related matter; two women have been charged with that murder. However, Mthombeni said police cannot rule out the possibility that other killings are connected.

Police have made arrests in three cases that do not appear to be related to the others. The first victim, Busisiwe Mahlangu, was found on 15 July 2026, naked and bound with cable ties; her partner was arrested two days later but has not been linked to subsequent deaths. Officers from the Investigative Psychology Unit, which specializes in complex or serial violent crimes, have been assigned to the investigation. Police released a reward of 400,000 South African rand (approximately 31,600 Singapore dollars) for information leading to arrests, and the Democratic Alliance, South Africa's second-largest political party, offered an additional 31,000 US dollars.

The killings have sparked national outcry at a time when South Africa faces a severe gender-based violence crisis. President Cyril Ramaphosa acknowledged the 10th body discovery while campaigning for upcoming local elections, stating: "This continues to make us very sad, and in many ways, it's a shame on the men of South Africa that we continue to kill the women of our beautiful country." South Africa has one of the world's highest femicide rates, with an average of 15 women killed per day. Between September 1 and 16, the national gender-based violence command centre received 6,782 distress calls, averaging 424 per day—a 21 per cent increase compared to August's average of 350 daily calls. The discoveries come less than a year after South African ministers declared gender-based violence a national disaster.