South African police have recovered the body of a ninth woman in Ekurhuleni, intensifying public fears that a serial killer—or multiple killers—could be targeting women east of Johannesburg.
The unidentified woman, believed to have been about 30 years old, was discovered in an open area near a construction site in Villa Lisa, Boksburg, on Thursday morning.
Police said she was partially clothed and had suffered stab wounds, including a cut to her throat. Preliminary evidence suggested that she may have been killed elsewhere before her body was dumped near the railway line.
Police caution against premature conclusions
The latest discovery brings to nine the number of women’s bodies found across Ekurhuleni in approximately two months.
Despite similarities between several cases, the South African Police Service has not confirmed that the killings were committed by the same person or that every death is connected.
Deputy National Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Tebello Mosikili said it remained too early to reach a conclusion about the latest victim.
Investigators are considering several possibilities, including a serial offender, multiple perpetrators, copycat crimes and unrelated domestic or criminal incidents.
One suspect was previously arrested in connection with the first recorded case, involving a 37-year-old woman who was found naked and restrained with cable ties near the R21 highway in Kempton Park on July 15. The suspect was reportedly known to that victim.
Police say that case demonstrates why each death must be investigated individually even as detectives examine possible links between them.
Nine bodies discovered across Ekurhuleni
Most of the victims are believed to have been in their 20s and 30s. Several were discovered naked or partially clothed in fields, near roads, beside businesses and in waterways.
Some had injuries indicating physical or possible sexual violence.
Among the identified victims is 38-year-old social runner Elizabeth “Tsontso” Moselakgomo, who disappeared after leaving her eight-year-old daughter at home and going out for a run on September 9.
Her partially clothed and badly bruised body was found behind a hotel in Rhodesfield three days later. Her family formally identified her on September 14.
Another victim, identified as 28-year-old Gracious Nkomo, was found beside the R21 in Kempton Park on September 10.
Other bodies have been recovered in Olifantsfontein, Clayville, Kwa-Thema and surrounding parts of the municipality. Several victims remain unidentified, leaving families with missing relatives waiting for forensic results.
The latest woman’s identity had not been established by the time police left the scene in Boksburg.
Specialised team deployed as rewards offered
Police have assembled a multidisciplinary team involving detectives, forensic experts, crime-intelligence officers, investigative psychologists, tracking teams, K9 units and search-and-rescue personnel.
A R400,000 reward has been offered for information capable of helping investigators identify and arrest those responsible.
The Democratic Alliance separately announced that it would make R500,000 available for information leading to an arrest and prosecution. Police said they had not been consulted before that announcement and stressed that established procedures governed the handling of rewards.
Law-enforcement visibility has been increased around Kempton Park and neighbouring areas through Operation Shanela. Officers have appealed to residents, motorists, security companies and businesses to preserve CCTV, dashcam and automatic number-plate recognition footage.
Families have also been urged to report missing relatives immediately, as identifying the unnamed victims could help detectives reconstruct their final movements.
Killings deepen South Africa’s femicide crisis
President Cyril Ramaphosa has ordered police to prioritise the investigation and pledged that “no stone will be left unturned”.
The deaths have renewed outrage over South Africa’s persistent gender-based violence and femicide crisis. Community groups, political parties, religious leaders, runners and women’s organisations have demanded faster arrests and stronger protection.
Residents have reported growing fear, particularly among women who travel early in the morning, return from work after dark or exercise outdoors.
Campaigners have cautioned authorities against placing responsibility on women by advising them to restrict their movements. They argue that the focus should remain on identifying perpetrators and improving policing in areas where the bodies were found.
While the discovery of nine victims in a relatively concentrated area has fuelled serial-killer fears, police maintain that forensic and investigative evidence will be required before such a connection can be established.
Discover more from Telly Africa
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
