Police in Gauteng have confirmed the discovery of a woman's body in Tembisa, near an informal settlement. The body was found partly clothed inside Mooifontein Cemetery in the Vusimusi section of Tembisa South. According to SAPS Gauteng spokesperson Brenda Muridili, crime scene management and other necessary role players are currently on the scene. The discovery was made on September 26, 2026.
This latest find marks the 10th woman's body discovered in the Ekurhuleni area. However, a total of 11 bodies have been found in Gauteng in recent weeks. The series of discoveries has sparked widespread concern and outrage, with many calling for stronger action to protect women. The government has been criticized for its handling of the crisis, despite declaring gender-based violence a national disaster last year.
The discovery of the bodies has led to vigils, protests, and solidarity runs across South Africa. Hundreds of people gathered in Kempton Park and Cape Town to honor the victims and demand greater action to address the issue. The government has acknowledged the problem, with the 24-hour Gender-Based Violence Command Centre receiving 6,782 distress calls between September 1 and 16. This represents an average of 424 calls per day, a 21% increase compared to the same period in August.
The latest killings have intensified fears among women, who have long been forced to take extra precautions in their daily lives. Many have expressed frustration that the government has not done enough to address the issue, despite years of commitments to tackle gender-based violence. The opposition has also weighed in, with the Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA) calling on business and civil society to work with the government to find solutions.
The government has faced criticism for its handling of the crisis, with some arguing that it has not done enough to protect women. The classification of gender-based violence and femicide as a national disaster in November 2025 placed the National Executive at the center of the response. However, many argue that more needs to be done to address the root causes of the problem.
The police have not confirmed that the women found dead across Ekurhuleni were killed by one person. However, similarities between the cases have prompted a multidisciplinary investigation. The police have urged anyone with information to come forward and assist with the investigation.
The series of discoveries has highlighted the persistent problem of gender-based violence in South Africa. The government has pledged to do more to address the issue, but many argue that more needs to be done to protect women and bring perpetrators to justice. The investigation into the latest discovery is ongoing, with further information to be provided as it becomes available.
Key points
- The 10th woman's body was found in Tembisa, Gauteng, sparking renewed concerns about gender-based violence in South Africa.
- A total of 11 bodies have been found in Gauteng in recent weeks, with many calling for stronger action to protect women.
- The government has declared gender-based violence a national disaster, but many argue that more needs to be done to address the root causes of the problem.
