Ninth woman's body found in Ekurhuleni; South Africa investigates potential serial killer

Police in South Africa discovered the body of a woman near a construction site in Ekurhuleni, east of Johannesburg, on September 17, 2026. The victim, believed to be approximately 30 years old, displayed a stab wound to her side and an apparent cut to her throat, though the official cause of death remains under investigation. Provincial police commissioner Fred Kekana stated the body was found by a passerby who alerted authorities. This discovery marks the ninth body found in the area over two months, intensifying concerns about a potential serial killer or group of killers operating in the region.

South African authorities have not confirmed the deaths are linked to a single perpetrator, though police spokesperson Brig Athlenda Mathe said similarities among cases were "sufficiently concerning" to warrant a public warning. Police spokesperson Mosikili stated investigators are examining whether the latest finding connects to earlier murders or represents copycat killings. Deputy police chief Tebello Mosikili told journalists, "We cannot continue picking up bodies." A lockdown has been implemented in Kempton Park, with police establishing roadblocks after three bodies were discovered in recent days. Police have offered a reward of 400,000 rand (approximately $25,000 or €21,400) for information leading to an arrest.

President Cyril Ramaphosa directed law enforcement to prioritize the investigations, stating "no stone will be left unturned" in finding those responsible. Acting police minister Firoz Cachalia described the discoveries as "deeply disturbing" and noted that a multidisciplinary investigation has been established to examine possible links between cases. Gauteng province premier Panyaza Lesufi said Thursday that "someone has declared war against us, and we will push back."

The case has drawn international attention to South Africa's endemic gender-based violence. The country experiences murder rates among the world's highest, with femicide rates five times higher than the global average according to UN Women. South Africa's government declared gender-based violence and femicide a national disaster. Only two of the nine victims have been identified; one was Elizabeth Moselakgomo, a 38-year-old runner whose disappearance last week sparked a public search that led to discovery of additional bodies. Authorities have urged women in the Kempton Park area to avoid walking or running alone, particularly in isolated spaces.

The Commission for Gender Equality called for urgent preventive action, including a safety audit of affected areas assessing lighting, surveillance, pedestrian routes, police visibility, and emergency assistance access. Commission spokesperson Javu Baloyi stated: "Women should not have to be killed before an area receives heightened attention." Amnesty International South Africa described the discovery as "just another horrific reminder that women in South Africa are not safe."