Omanghana
The discovery of a ninth woman’s body in Ekurhuleni, east of Johannesburg, has deepened public fear and intensified demands for urgent action against a series of killings reported across the municipality.
Police said a passerby found the unidentified woman near a construction site in Dawn Park, Boksburg, on Thursday, September 17, 2026, and alerted authorities.
The victim was estimated to be about 30 years old. Gauteng Provincial Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Fred Kekana said she had an apparent stab wound to her side and injuries to her throat. Forensic examinations will determine the official cause of death.
Authorities believe the body may have been left at the site after the killing occurred elsewhere. The latest case will be added to the wider investigation into the deaths of women in Ekurhuleni, although police have not established a definite connection between all nine cases.
The bodies were discovered over approximately two months in communities including Kempton Park, Pomona, Clayville, Olifantsfontein, Rhodesfield, KwaThema and Dawn Park. Most of the victims were women in their 20s or 30s, while some were found partially clothed or bearing signs of violence.
Similarities among several cases have raised public fears that a serial killer or multiple perpetrators could be operating in the area. Police have stressed, however, that the evidence has not yet established that one person or group was responsible for all the deaths.
A high-level multidisciplinary team, including specialist investigators, has been formed to examine the cases. Authorities have also increased police visibility through Operation Shanela and announced plans for intensified operations in Kempton Park and surrounding communities.
A reward of R400,000 was announced for information that could assist investigators and lead to arrests. Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi said police had made progress in two or three cases but urged the public to allow investigators sufficient time to collect evidence.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has also promised a comprehensive investigation, saying no effort would be spared in identifying those responsible.
The deaths have renewed national anger over South Africa’s persistent levels of femicide and gender-based violence. Women’s organizations, political parties, civil society groups and religious leaders have staged demonstrations and prayer services demanding stronger protection for women and greater accountability from law enforcement agencies.
Running clubs across Johannesburg have also organised memorial activities for 38-year-old Elizabeth “Tsontso” Moselakgomo, who disappeared while jogging and was later found dead. Her death has become a rallying point for runners and campaigners calling for safer public spaces.
Missing In Southern Africa has reminded families that there is no mandatory waiting period before reporting someone missing. Relatives have been urged to contact the South African Police Service immediately when they believe a person has disappeared.
Police have also appealed to the public to avoid circulating graphic photographs and unverified claims on social media, warning that misinformation could spread panic, interfere with investigations or encourage copycat offences.
Anyone with information about the deaths has been encouraged to contact the police or submit a report through official crime-reporting channels.
Source: Omanghana
