South Africa Police Expand Serial Killing Probe as Ninth Body Surfaces in Johannesburg Reg

South African police confirmed Thursday the discovery of a ninth woman’s body in the Ekurhuleni area east of Johannesburg, deepening an investigation that has stretched across multiple jurisdictions since July. The latest victim was found in Dawn Park, half-naked and wrapped in a sheet on the roadside, bearing bruises and stab wounds. Her identity has not yet been released, though local media reported she appeared to be in her 30s.

Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia has urged the public to withhold judgment on the nature of the killings. Investigators are treating the deaths as “quite distinct, separate events” at this stage, he said, and have not formally linked them to a single perpetrator. Police are, however, examining the possibility that a group of people may be responsible. A multidisciplinary team comprising detectives, intelligence officers, forensic experts and other specialists has been assembled to determine whether connections exist between the nine cases. Authorities are also pursuing a person of interest, though they have not disclosed which case or cases that individual may be linked to.

The first body was recovered in Kempton Park on July 15. A suspect was arrested two days later in connection with that initial death and remains in custody, but police have not linked this individual to the subsequent discoveries. Remains have since been found across Ekurhuleni in locations including Olifantsfontein, Clayville and KwaThema, with several victims discovered partially clothed and bearing visible injuries.

Among the identified victims is Elizabeth “Tsontso” Moselakgomo, 38, who disappeared after leaving her home for an afternoon run and was found three days later behind a hotel in Kempton Park. Two others have been named as Itumeleng Kekana, missing since July, and Dineo Evelyn Motapane, 38, whose body was found by the roadside in KwaThema on Tuesday. The remaining victims have not yet been identified. Authorities have offered a 400,000 rand reward (approximately $24,000 or £18,000) for information leading to arrests and have appealed to families with missing relatives to come forward.

President Cyril Ramaphosa pledged that “no stone will be left unturned” in locating those responsible, describing the killings as “causing fear and uncertainty in our communities.” Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi stated Thursday that “the gloves are off,” asserting that authorities possessed the capacity to address the situation.

In an official statement, South African police described the recent rise in serious and violent crimes against women as a “matter of grave concern.” The force issued guidance recommending that women avoid walking alone or using isolated routes, remain alert to strangers and suspicious vehicles, and share their location or travel plans with trusted contacts. Police also cautioned against using earphones at high volume, warning that this could reduce awareness of surroundings. “Practising personal safety measures can save lives,” the statement concluded.

The discoveries have generated widespread alarm throughout Ekurhuleni, particularly in the Kempton Park area, against a backdrop of longstanding national concern over violence against women. South Africa experiences some of the world’s highest rates of gender-based violence, with women killed at five times the global average according to UN Women. In November of last year, the government classified violence against women a national disaster following an online campaign that prompted countrywide protests.

Whether the multidisciplinary team’s forensic work will establish a definitive link between the nine deaths, or point to multiple perpetrators acting independently, remains the central question now facing investigators.