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Nine Women Found Dead in Kempton Park Since July

By Drooid · Sep 18, 2026, 2:13 PM UTC · How we work

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Summary

South Africa Serial Killings

South Africa police discovered nine women’s bodies in Kempton Park since July 2026.
The victims were half-naked, bruised, and most suffered sexual assault.
Elizabeth “Tsontso” Moselakgomo, 38, vanished jogging on 9 September and was found dead on 12 September.
Police have not ruled out a serial killer but say no clear link among the nine cases.
Amnesty International’s Shenilla Mohamed warned women are being hunted as women’s groups protested.

Summary

Cachalia Launches Shanela

Police offered a 400,000 rand reward for information leading to the perpetrators.
Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia launched Operation Shanela, deploying a massive force and locking down Kempton Park.
The Commission for Gender Equality demanded a safety audit covering lighting, surveillance, transport routes and emergency assistance.
UN data rank South Africa among the world’s highest femicide rates.
Police recorded 9,782 rapes from January to March 2026, averaging 108 daily.

History

Historical Context

In May 1998 Lesotho’s parliamentary election gave the Lesotho Congress for Democracy 79 of 80 seats, sparking allegations of fraud and riots. The South African government responded by deploying the SANDF in September 1998 under Operation Boleas to restore order, marking a major regional security intervention. That same year Parliament passed the National Water Act, illustrating a broader push for legislative reform.

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South Africa Serial Killings

South Africa police discovered nine women’s bodies in Kempton Park since July 2026.
The victims were half-naked, bruised, and most suffered sexual assault.
Elizabeth “Tsontso” Moselakgomo, 38, vanished jogging on 9 September and was found dead on 12 September.
Police have not ruled out a serial killer but say no clear link among the nine cases.
Amnesty International’s Shenilla Mohamed warned women are being hunted as women’s groups protested.

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