Ninth woman’s body found as South Africa probes series of killings | Women’s Rights News
Ninth Murdered Woman Found Near Johannesburg, Raising Concern Over Serial Killer
Published September 17, 2026
JOHANNESBURG, South Africa — Authorities discovered the body of a ninth woman on the outskirts of South Africa’s largest city, intensifying fears that a serial killer may be operating in the area. This latest finding follows the discovery of eight other female corpses in Johannesburg over the past two months.
Police located the body in Kempton Park within the Ekurhuleni municipality on Thursday, implementing a lockdown in the area as they began an investigation. Three of the bodies were uncovered this week alone, all of which had been partially clothed, raising significant alarm among residents.
The string of homicides has prompted concerns about potential serial killings. Police previously indicated that the similarities in the cases were “sufficiently concerning,” leading them to release a public warning.
“Investigators are considering all possibilities, including the possibility of multiple suspects or separate perpetrators,” Fred Kekana, police commissioner for Gauteng province, said in a statement.
The first five bodies emerged from locations in and around Kempton Park, while the remaining victims were discovered at distances of 25 to 35 kilometers (16 to 22 miles) away. Kekana noted that authorities are meticulously comparing evidence, timelines, locations, victim profiles, and circumstances surrounding each case.
All victims were women aged in their 20s and 30s, with most found either naked or partially clothed. Some exhibited similar bruising patterns. The first victim was discovered on July 17, restrained with cable ties. Although a suspect believed to be her boyfriend was apprehended, no charges have been filed.
Among the identified victims is 38-year-old Elizabeth Tsontso Moselakgomo, who went missing while jogging. She was reported missing after her daughter informed family members that she had not returned home. Her body was found days later. The most recent body was discovered in an advanced stage of decomposition, and the youngest victim is a 20-year-old woman.
In response to the growing crisis, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa pledged that “no stone will be left unturned” in the investigation. Authorities have announced a reward of 400,000 South African rand (approximately $25,000) for information leading to the capture of those responsible.
Local women have been advised to exercise caution and avoid going out alone in light of the recent violence. “We cannot continue picking up bodies,” said Tebello Mosikili, deputy national commissioner for the South African Police Service, at the scene of the latest discovery.
These killings underscore the alarming rates of violence against women in South Africa, which has one of the highest femicide rates globally, according to the United Nations.
Police statistics show that from January to March 2026, there were 9,782 reported rapes and 12,590 sexual offenses, averaging roughly 108 reported rapes each day. Nearly half of these incidents occurred at the victim’s or perpetrator’s home.
In November 2025, the National Disaster Management Centre classified gender-based violence and femicide as a national disaster in response to ongoing pressure from civil society organizations. A 2022 study found that over 35 percent of adult women in South Africa had experienced physical or sexual violence at some point in their lives.
