Police in South Africa have confirmed the discovery of three more women's bodies in the Ekurhuleni area east of Johannesburg, bringing the total number of bodies found there to 12 in just two months. The latest bodies were found in Ekurhuleni between Saturday and Monday morning, according to local police. This recent surge in violent crimes has caused widespread alarm in the area, particularly around Kempton Park.
The first body, that of 37-year-old Busisiwe Mahlangu, was found in Kempton Park on 15 July 2026. She was found naked with her hands bound with cable ties. Police arrested a suspect, believed to be her partner, two days after her murder. He has been in police custody since then and has not been linked to the other deaths that followed. Authorities are still investigating the circumstances surrounding her death.
As the bodies continued to be discovered, police made some arrests, but the cases do not appear to be related. In the case of 32-year-old Itumeleng Kekana, her body was found badly bruised, partially clothed, and dumped on a bridge in Kempton Park on 3 August 2026. No arrests have been made so far in her case. The police are still looking for leads and have urged the public to come forward with any information.
The spate of killings continued with the discovery of Nomfesane Mjobo's body on 26 August, also in Kempton Park. Few details have been released around her death, but like most of the victims, she was found partially or fully naked with bruises. No arrests have been made in her case. The police are working to identify the victims and determine if there are any connections between the cases.
In the following weeks, more bodies were found, including that of an unknown woman in her 20s, who was found floating in a river in Olifantsfontain on 7 September, wearing only her underwear. Gracious Nkomo, 28, was also found partially clothed along a road close to South Africa's busiest airport on 10 September. Additionally, Elizabeth "Tsontso" Moselakgomo, 38, was found badly bruised and partially clothed on 12 September, after a highly publicized nationwide search for her.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has addressed the nation on the issue, stating that the killing of these women and others is a "stain on our national conscience". South Africa has one of the highest homicide rates, with 5,427 people murdered between April and June this year alone. According to the South African Human Rights Commission, 569 women were killed between April and June this year, which works out to an average of six women killed each day.
In response to the surge in violent crimes, police have set up a task team to investigate these murders and have offered a reward of 400,000 rand ($24,000; £18,000) for information that could lead to arrests. The police are urging anyone with information to come forward and help bring the perpetrators to justice. The community remains on high alert as the investigation continues.
Key points
- Police confirm 12 women killed in Ekurhuleni area of South Africa since July.
- Some arrests have been made, but police are still investigating possible links between the cases.
- The killings have sparked widespread alarm and condemnation from President Cyril Ramaphosa.
