Full Breakdown
Nine Women Murdered in Ekurhuleni: Investigation, Response, and Community Outcry
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
Since July 2026, nine Black women in their twenties or thirties have been found dead across the Ekurhuleni municipality, including Kempton Park, Olifantsfontein, Kwa-Thema and Dawn Park. The latest body was recovered in Dawn Park on September 17, 2026. Only four victims have been positively identified.
Background & Context
South Africa has one of the world’s highest gender-based-violence rates. In November 2025 the government declared femicide a national disaster, a response to weeks of protests such as the “Women’s Shut-Down” march during the G20 summit. The Ekurhuleni killings have revived national outrage over women’s safety.
Timeline
- July 15, 2026 – First body discovered; one arrest made two days later.
- July 17, 2026 – Ninth known woman killed since this date.
- September 7, 2026 – Unidentified woman found floating in Olifantsfontein.
- September 10, 2026 – 28-year-old Gracious Nkomo’s body found on the R21 highway (Al Jazeera, Atnews).
- September 12, 2026 – 38-year-old Elizabeth “Tsontso” Moselakgomo discovered in Kempton Park.
- September 14-17, 2026 – Additional victims located in Olifantsfontein, Kwa-Thema and Dawn Park.
- September 18, 2026 – Gracious Nkomo positively identified.
Data & Statistics
- Victims: nine women; identified: four (as of 18 Sept).
- Persons of interest: three; arrests: one after the first body, three linked to the ninth victim.
- Police reward: R400 000 for information.
- UN-reported femicide rate: five times the global average.
Official Statements & Responses
President Cyril Ramaphosa pledged to leave “no stone unturned” in the investigations. Minister of Social Development Nokuzola Sisisi Tolashe said the disaster declaration should enable stronger action. Amnesty International’s country director Shenilla Mohamed warned that recognizing femicide as a distinct crime would force the state to address its failure to protect women. Acting National Commissioner Puleng Dimpane confirmed a multidisciplinary team is working around the clock.
Criticism & Opposition
Amnesty International called for femicide to be criminalised as a separate offense. The Commission for Gender Equality’s Philisiwe Gabela stressed that preventing violence is the state’s responsibility, not the victims’.
On-the-Ground Reports
Family members describe profound grief and fear. Activist Lumina Maqhubela of the Girl2Woman Foundation has organized protests, while residents report anxiety about walking alone. Men’s prayer marches in Kempton Park have urged greater male responsibility.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Police have not confirmed whether the nine killings are linked, citing possible “multiple suspects or separate perpetrators.” The nationality of a suspect linked to the ninth victim remains unverified.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Every day that femicide remains unrecognised as a crime is a failure to confront the targeted killing of women," said Amnesty's country director Shenilla Mohamed in a statement.” — Amnesty International
- “As a nation, we must stand up for the rights, safety and dignity of women and girls.” — Lebogang Ramafoko, gender advocate
- “The police are seized with all nine murder cases, and each case is receiving priority attention.” — Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, police spokesperson
- “All the families, friends and communities who have lost loved ones, know that the nation stands with them in their hour of sorrow,” — President Ramaphosa
What’s Next
A multidisciplinary team led by Deputy National Commissioner for Detective Services Hilda Senthumule will continue pursuing leads. The three suspects arrested in connection with the Dawn Park case are due in Boksburg Magistrates Court on Monday. Police reiterate the R400 000 reward and warn against circulating unverified images. The Comprehensive Emergency Strategy remains in force as authorities seek any links between the murders and aim to bring perpetrators to justice.