Full Breakdown
South Africa probes series of women’s murders in Ekurhuleni
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Events: Multiple women found dead in Ekurhuleni
Police investigations have focused on a string of killings of women in the Ekurhuleni metropolitan area, east of Johannesburg. Over the past two months, bodies of women—some naked, some partially clothed, many showing signs of sexual violence—have been recovered in locations that include Kempton Park, the R21 corridor, Kwa-Thema, Olifantsfontein and Clayville. The most recent discovery on September 15, 2026 brought the tally to eight victims, according to the South African Police Service (SAPS). Authorities say the similarities are “sufficiently concerning” to warrant a public warning and a dedicated multidisciplinary task team.
Timeline of discoveries
- July 15 – A 37-year-old woman was found naked and bound with cable ties.
- August 24 – A 32-year-old woman was discovered partially clothed.
- September 7 – A body was recovered from a river near Tembisa township.
- September 10 – A third victim was found naked and in an advanced stage of decomposition.
- September 12 – The partially clothed body of a 38-year-old runner was located behind a hotel.
- September 14 – Elizabeth “Tsontso” Moselakgomo, a 38-year-old jogger, was identified after her body was found in Rhodesfield.
- September 15 – Two additional bodies were discovered, one on a sidewalk in Kwa-Thema and another in Clayville, raising the count to eight.
Data & Statistics
- Victims range from their late 20s to late 30s; at least three have been identified by families.
- All bodies were found half-naked or naked, with visible bruising in several cases.
- UN Women reports that roughly one-in-three South African women experience physical or sexual violence in their lifetime.
- A R400 000 reward has been announced for information leading to a breakthrough.
Official Statements & Responses
Acting National Police Commissioner Puleng Dimpane affirmed a commitment to protect women and to pursue anyone linked to the crimes. Deputy National Commissioner Tebello Mosikili warned the suspect(s) that “their freedom is temporary” and detailed ongoing forensic and intelligence work. Gauteng’s acting police chief Fred Kekana described the river discovery as part of the broader pattern prompting the warning.
Criticism & Opposition
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) accused SAPS and the government of failing to protect women, arguing that the response only intensified after public pressure surrounding Moselakgomo’s disappearance. The Democratic Alliance (DA) condemned police advice for women to “take precautions,” insisting the state must provide “boots on the ground” rather than shift responsibility onto victims. The uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party Women’s League similarly criticised the “slow response” and called for urgent intensification of investigations.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the total number of victims: some outlets report six deaths, others seven, and the most recent SAPS statement cites eight bodies. No forensic DNA results have been released, and a backlog of approximately 300 000 exhibits in national labs could delay linkage analysis for up to 800 days, creating uncertainty about whether the cases are connected.
What’s Next
A high-level multidisciplinary task team—including detectives from the Murder and Robbery Unit and the Investigative Psychology Unit—continues to examine forensic evidence and behavioural patterns. Police have increased patrols in the affected suburbs and have urged anyone with information to contact Warrant Officer Elvis Manyike on 082 465 7249. The R400 000 reward remains available, and officials have indicated that the investigation will remain a priority through the upcoming municipal elections in November.