Concerns are growing in South Africa after the bodies of nine women were discovered across Ekurhuleni and surrounding parts of the East Rand since July 2026.
The latest discovery was made in Dawn Park, Ekurhuleni, on Thursday, September 17, bringing the number of women whose bodies have been found in the area to nine. Police have launched investigations into the deaths and are examining whether some of the cases may be connected.
The discoveries have caused fear among residents, particularly women and families in communities where some of the bodies were found.
According to police, the first body in the series was discovered on July 15 near the R21 in Kempton Park. Since then, several other women have been found dead at different locations, including around Pomona, Clayville, Olifantsfontein, Rhodesfield, KwaThema and Dawn Park.
Among the victims was 32-year-old Itumeleng Kekana, who had been reported missing before her body was discovered on Great North Road in Pomona on August 3.
Another woman, Elizabeth “Tsontso” Moselakgomo, 38, was reportedly found after she went missing following her usual running routine. Her death has added to concerns among residents who regularly walk, run or exercise in the affected communities.
Police have cautioned women and girls to take reasonable precautions while investigations continue, while stressing that the advice is not intended to restrict their freedom to move around, exercise or carry out their daily activities.
Authorities are treating the situation as a major investigation involving detectives, forensic experts, crime intelligence personnel and specialised police units.
Acting Gauteng Police Commissioner Major General Fred Kekana said investigators were working to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths and determine whether there was a connection between the cases.
Police have also brought in the Department of Home Affairs to assist with identifying some of the victims through biometric information, including fingerprint records. The information could also help investigators establish possible links between the victims and other people relevant to the investigation.
Authorities have confirmed that at least one person has been arrested in connection with one of the earlier killings, while investigators are also tracing another person of interest.
A reward has been offered for information that could assist police in making arrests and solving the cases.
The growing number of deaths has prompted renewed calls for residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity to the authorities. Police have also urged anyone with information that could assist the investigation to come forward.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has directed the police to prioritise the investigation as authorities work to establish whether the deaths form part of a wider pattern.
For families of the victims, the investigations are particularly important as they seek answers about what happened to their loved ones.
Police have not yet established that all nine deaths were committed by the same person or group. Investigators are continuing to examine the available evidence before drawing conclusions about possible links between the cases.
Source: Thepressradio.com
