South African police confirmed the discovery of a ninth woman’s body in the Ekurhuleni municipality east of Johannesburg on Thursday, September 17, as authorities investigate whether the deaths are connected.
The latest victim, found near a construction site in the Dawn Park area, was partially naked and appeared to have suffered stab and throat injuries, according to provincial police commissioner Fred Kekana. Her identity has not been released. Police have not yet determined if her death is linked to the other cases and are appealing for information.
Authorities impose lockdown and roadblocks in Kempton Park, a suburb within Ekurhuleni, following the discovery of three bodies this week. A police cordon was established at the scene, where forensic officers in protective suits conducted investigations. Deputy police chief Tebello Mosikili stated at the scene, “We cannot continue picking up bodies.”
The deaths have heightened concerns over gender-based violence in South Africa, where one in three women experiences physical or sexual violence in their lifetime, according to the United Nations. President Cyril Ramaphosa has pledged that “no stone will be left unturned” in finding those responsible, calling the killings “causing fear and uncertainty in our communities.”
Identified victims and timeline
Police have publicly named three of the nine victims:
- Elizabeth "Tsontso" Moselakgomo, 38, who disappeared while jogging on September 8 and was found three days later behind a hotel in Kempton Park.
- Itumeleng Kekana, who had been missing since July.
- Dineo Evelyn Motapane, 38, whose body was discovered by the roadside in KwaThema on Tuesday.
The first body was found in Kempton Park on July 15. A suspect was arrested two days later in connection with that case and remains in custody, though police have not linked this suspect to the other deaths.
Additional bodies were recovered in August and September across multiple locations, including Olifantsfontein, Clayville, and KwaThema. The latest victim is believed to be in her 30s, with local media reporting bruises and stab wounds.
Investigation and public response
Police have assembled a multidisciplinary team of detectives, intelligence officers, forensic experts, and other specialists to determine potential links between the cases. Authorities have also urged the public not to circulate photos of the bodies or unverified reports on social media, warning that such actions could spread fear and potentially encourage copycat crimes.
Residents described heightened anxiety. Patience Masa stated, “This is very scary ... because you can say us as women and children are no longer safe.” Another resident, Zanele Vilakazi, said, “I don’t feel safe, for this to happen in the morning.”
Political and financial responses
The Democratic Alliance, South Africa’s second-largest political party, offered a $31,000 reward for information leading to an arrest, in addition to the 400,000 rand ($25,000) reward announced by police. Mosikili noted that authorities will investigate whether the latest discovery is connected to earlier murders or if a copycat killer may be involved.
The killings have drawn international attention, with global organizations and local advocacy groups renewing calls for stronger measures to address femicide and violent crime in the country.