Full Breakdown
Ninth Woman Found in Ekurhuleni: Expanding Investigation into a String of Female Homicides
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Incident
On September 17 2026, police recovered the body of an unidentified woman, estimated to be about 30 years old, in Dawn Park, Boksburg, within the Ekurhuleni municipality east of Johannesburg. The victim was found partially clothed, with a stab wound to the side and an apparent cut to the throat. Provincial police commissioner Fred Kekana said the discovery will be added to the ongoing investigations into the deaths of women in Ekurhuleni.
Background & Context
The case follows a series of female homicide discoveries that began on July 15 2026 when a 37-year-old woman was found naked and bound near the R21 highway in Kempton Park. Subsequent victims were located on July 17, August 3, August 24, September 7, and September 12 (the latter identified as 38-year-old Elizabeth “Tsontso” Moselakgomo). By mid-September, nine women have been found across Kempton Park, Clayville, Olifantsfontein, Rhodesfield, Kwa-Thema and Dawn Park.
In November 2025 the South African government classified gender-based violence and femicide as a national disaster, prompting coordinated response efforts.
Data & Statistics
- Police recorded 569 women murdered between April and June 2026, averaging more than six per day (South African Human Rights Commission).
- The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime listed a female-homicide rate of 12.2 per 100,000 women in 2022, about six times the global average.
- UN Women estimate one in three South African women experiences physical or sexual violence, and the femicide rate is five times higher than the global average.
- A 2024 study by the South African Medical Research Council found 60 % of femicides were committed by intimate partners.
- Police have offered a 400,000-rand reward for information leading to an arrest.
Official Statements & Responses
- President Cyril Ramaphosa: “*These incidents are causing fear and uncertainty in our communities, and especially among women*.”
- Fred Kekana: “*The incident will be added to the investigations into the deaths of women in Ekurhuleni*” and “*Police are comparing the evidence, timelines, locations, victim profiles and circumstances of each case*.”
- Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi: “*They’ve declared war against the state. We’ll respond*.”
Criticism & Opposition
- Sabrina Walter, founder of Women For Change, said, “*Women are tired of being told to be more vigilant. We are already vigilant*,” arguing that protection should not be placed on women.
On-the-Ground Reports
Local residents expressed alarm after the Dawn Park discovery. In neighboring communities, Zizipho Ntoyanto demanded the deployment of soldiers to bolster security.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- The official cause of death for the September 17 victim remains undetermined; forensic investigators have not released a final report.
- Police have not confirmed whether the nine deaths are linked to a single perpetrator. Some statements suggest a serial killer; others caution against premature conclusions.
- Only three victims—Elizabeth Moselakgomo, Itumeleng Kekana, and Dineo Evelyn Motapane—have been publicly named; additional victims remain unidentified.
What’s Next
Police have mobilized a multidisciplinary team of detectives, intelligence officers and forensic experts to continue examining each case. The investigation remains active, with authorities urging the public to report any information promptly. No specific future hearings or deadlines have been announced.
