Sep 26·World
Follow-up 2h ago8
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Eleven Women Found Dead Near Johannesburg; Serial Killer Suspected
South African police have discovered eleven women's bodies in Ekurhuleni, east of Johannesburg, since mid-July 2026, with a 36-year-old suspect arrested in connection with the latest death. While police have identified similarities in some killings, they have not found conclusive evidence linking all cases to a single perpetrator, though a serial killer cannot be ruled out.
Quick Facts
- Eleven women's bodies discovered in Ekurhuleni municipality
- Three bodies found in July and August within 6 kilometres
- Six bodies found within 10 days in early September
- Latest body discovered by private security company patrolling area
- 36-year-old suspect arrested and set to appear in court

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.
Why This Matters
South African police have confirmed 11 bodies found in Ekurhuleni since mid-July 2026, with a 36-year-old suspect arrested and due in Tembisa Magistrates Court on Tuesday. Police say similarities exist among some killings but have not found conclusive evidence linking all cases to one perpetrator; the Investigative Psychology Unit is assigned. A R400,000 reward plus $31,000 from the Democratic Alliance are offered. The national gender-based violence command centre logged 6,782 distress calls from 1–16 September, averaging 424 daily, a 21% rise over August's 350. Ministers declared gender-based violence a national disaster less than a year ago.
Timeline & Sources
Jul 15, 2026
WireFirst body found: Busisiwe Mahlangu, 37, discovered naked and bound with cable ties in Kempton Park; her partner arrested two days later
Aug 3, 2026
WireSecond body discovered: Itumeleng Kekana, 32, found partially clothed and bruised on bridge in Kempton Park
Sep 27, 2026
WireEleventh body found in open field in Springs by private security company patrolling area; 36-year-old suspect arrested approximately 400 km away in Tzaneen; suspect set to appear in Tembisa Magistrates Court
Sep 28, 2026
WireEleventh body discovered in open field in Ekurhuleni; man arrested approximately 400km away; fourth person in custody across related cases
Sources
- South Africa Killings Women 32af8df57e31e574dec6b65a6d99db83apWireSep 26, 2026
- Sudafrica Asesinatos Mujeres Investigacion 7cc91ef056d1137bfa7ed80bba39f691apWireSep 26, 2026
- Sudafrica Feminicidios 4696621796f59d19d1e8da60dc1b7d7aapWireSep 28, 2026
- Tenth woman's body found in South Africa suburb as police probe killingsBBCMediaSep 26, 2026
- Ekurhuleni killings: What we know after bodies of 12 women found in South Africabbc.comMediaSep 28, 2026
- 南非两个月发现10具女性遗体 警方展开调查zaobaoMediaSep 26, 2026
- South African police discover body of 10th woman near JohannesburgAl JazeeraMediaSep 26, 2026
- South African police discover body of 11th woman near JohannesburgAl JazeeraMediaSep 28, 2026