Full Breakdown
Nine Women Found Dead in Ekurhuleni: Police Probe Possible Serial Killer
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
On September 17, 2026, police recovered the body of a previously unidentified woman in Dawn Park, Boksburg, bringing the total number of female victims discovered in the Ekurhuleni municipality to nine. The victim, estimated to be in her early-30s, was found partially naked with stab wounds and a cut throat, according to Acting Provincial Police Commissioner Fred Kekana. Investigators are determining whether the death is linked to earlier cases or is a copycat incident.
Background & Context
The spate began in mid-July when a 37-year-old woman was found naked and restrained with cable ties. Subsequent victims—aged 20 to 38—were discovered across Kempton Park, Olifantsfontein, Kwa-Thema, Clayville and Dawn Park, often half-naked and showing signs of sexual violence. South Africa’s femicide rate is among the world’s highest; gender-based violence was classified as a national disaster in November 2025. The killings have intensified public anxiety about a possible serial offender in Gauteng.
Timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| July 15 | First victim found naked, bound with cable ties in Kempton Park. |
| August 24 | Second victim, 32, found partially clothed. |
| September 12 | 38-year-old runner Elizabeth “Tsontso” Moselakgomo found behind a hotel. |
| September 16 | Suspect arrested in connection with the July murder appears in court. |
| September 17 | Ninth body recovered in Dawn Park; lockdown imposed in Kempton Park. |
Data & Statistics
- Nine female bodies recovered in two months; five victims identified.
- Victims’ ages: 20 – 38; all found naked or partially clothed.
- 569 women murdered nationwide between April and June 2026 (? 6 per day).
- Police have offered a R400 000 (? US$25 000) reward for information.
Official Statements & Responses
The Democratic Alliance pledged an additional US$31 000 reward.
Criticism & Opposition
Women For Change founder Sabrina Walter warned that safety should not be left to women alone, calling the situation “a terrible scourge” that reflects institutional failure. The Commission for Gender Equality called for an urgent safety audit of the affected areas, citing inadequate lighting, surveillance and police visibility.
On-the-Ground Reports
Local residents expressed heightened fear.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the exact count of bodies at various times—some report eight victims, others nine—reflecting the rapid evolution of the investigation. Police have not confirmed whether the killings are linked to a single perpetrator; the possibility of multiple suspects or copycat crimes remains open. The nationality of a suspect arrested after the July murder is described as “foreign” but not yet verified. Cause of death for the latest victim is still pending autopsy results.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Investigators are considering all possibilities, including the possibility of multiple suspects or separate perpetrators,” — Fred Kekana, provincial police commissioner
- “This is very scary... because you can say us as woman and children are no longer safe,” — Patience Masa, resident
- “These incidents are causing fear and uncertainty in our communities, and especially among women,” — Cyril Ramaphosa, President of South Africa
- “They’ve declared war against the state. We’ll respond,” — Panyaza Lesufi, Gauteng Premier
- “My colleagues will not sleep for as long as there is work to be done. And that is the promise that we gave to the nation on Tuesday when the minister made the declaration. We are going to keep that promise,” — Tebello Mosikili, deputy police chief