Police Investigate Possible Links in Deaths of Nine Women in South Africa

South African police are investigating whether the deaths of nine women whose bodies were found in Ekurhuleni over roughly two months are connected.

The bodies were discovered at separate locations in the greater Johannesburg area between July 17 and September 17. Police said they had not established whether the cases involved a single investigation, several perpetrators or unrelated crimes.

Investigators are examining possible links because of similarities in the victims’ ages and the conditions in which some of the bodies were found. Gauteng police commissioner Fred Kekana said investigators were reviewing “all possibilities, including the possibility of multiple suspects or separate perpetrators”.

He also cautioned against reaching conclusions about whether a serial killer was responsible, saying police were comparing the evidence, timelines, locations, victim profiles and circumstances of each case.

Latest discovery in Dawn Park

Police found the body of an unidentified woman in Dawn Park on September 17. Local police said she was believed to be about 30, partially clothed and had been stabbed before being dumped. They were investigating whether she had been killed elsewhere and then moved to Dawn Park.

The discovery was described as the ninth known woman killed in similar circumstances since July 17. The first five bodies were found in Kempton Park, while other bodies were discovered at locations between 25 and 35 kilometres away. Dawn Park is about 30 kilometres south of Kempton Park.

Among the identified victims was 38-year-old Dineo Motapane, whose battered and burned body was found in a residential area of Ekurhuleni. Gracious Nkomo, 28, was found partially clothed on September 10 after her body was dumped on the R21 highway in Kempton Park.

Elizabeth Moselakgomo, 38, was found dead in Kempton Park after her young daughter alerted police when she failed to return from a run. Itumeleng Kekana, 32, was found bruised and partially clothed on a bridge in July, 17 days after family members had last seen her.

Local media reported that four of the nine women had been identified, while the identities of five remained unknown.

Suspect detained as investigation continues

At least one suspect has been detained and appeared in court on Wednesday, according to deputy police commissioner Tebello Mosikili. The suspect was expected to remain in custody.

Mosikili said police were verifying information that the detained person was not a South African national. Acting national police commissioner Puleng Dimpane also said officers were investigating a person of interest. It was not clear whether that person was the same individual already in custody.

Police have offered a reward of 400,000 rand for information leading to an arrest and urged the public to provide information that could assist the investigation. Women in the area were advised to remain alert and to avoid walking or running alone near Kempton Park.

Concerns over gender-based violence

The deaths have intensified fear and anger in a country facing high levels of crime and gender-based violence. UN South Africa said the killings reflected “the persistent and deadly violence faced by women and girls in South Africa”. UN Women figures cited in the report indicate that women are killed in South Africa at five times the global average.

Residents described growing anxiety. Nomgqibelo Tshabalala, an Ekurhuleni resident, said: “I am feeling a lot of fear and paranoia, especially for us with daughters.”

The National Shelter Movement of South Africa criticised safety messaging that could suggest women can prevent violence by changing their behaviour. “The responsibility for violence lies with perpetrators, while the responsibility for protection lies with society and the state,” the organisation said.

Philisiwe Gabela of the Commission for Gender Equality similarly said: “We are not dealing with an issue of women who are not vigilant.”

President Cyril Ramaphosa ordered police to pursue justice with “no stone unturned” and urged men to take a stronger role in challenging gender-based violence and femicide. Gauteng premier Panyaza Lesufi said those responsible had “declared war against the state”, adding: “We’ll get them.”