South Africa serial killer fears have intensified after police discovered the bodies of nine women in the Ekurhuleni municipality east of Johannesburg over the past two months.
Authorities are investigating whether the deaths are connected. However, police have not confirmed that a serial killer is responsible.
The latest body was discovered on Thursday near a construction site in Dawn Park. Police said the unidentified woman appeared to be around 30 years old. Investigators were still working to establish the official cause of death.
The deaths have shocked communities across Gauteng and renewed concerns about violence against women in South Africa.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has called for the investigation to receive priority.
Police Investigate Possible Links
Gauteng provincial police commissioner Fred Kekana said detectives are comparing evidence from the different cases.
Investigators are examining the timelines, locations, victim profiles and circumstances surrounding each death.
However, Kekana has warned against reaching conclusions too early.
Police are considering several possibilities, including multiple suspects or separate perpetrators. They have also not ruled out the possibility that some cases may be unrelated.
Still, the similarities between several cases have prompted authorities to intensify the investigation and issue a public warning.
Ninth Woman Found Dead
The latest discovery brought the number of women potentially connected to the investigation to nine.
Police said a passerby discovered the latest victim near a construction site and contacted authorities.
The woman appeared to have suffered serious injuries. However, forensic investigators had not yet established the official cause of death when police briefed reporters.
Deputy National Commissioner for Policing Tebello Mosikili said it was too early to draw conclusions about the latest death.
Police will now determine whether the case shares any links with the previous investigations.
Victims Were Mostly Young Women
Police said the victims were women in their 20s and 30s.
Several were found naked or partially clothed. Investigators also noted similar bruising in some cases.
The first known victim was discovered on July 17. Police said she was naked and restrained with cable ties.
Authorities later arrested a man believed to have been the woman’s boyfriend. However, police have not announced charges against him in connection with that case.
Another victim was 38-year-old Elizabeth “Tsontso” Moselakgomo.
Moselakgomo disappeared while out for an afternoon run. Her family became concerned after she failed to return home, and authorities later found her body.
Her death has received particular attention from local running communities, which have organized memorial events.
Bodies Found Across Ekurhuleni
The victims have been discovered in several communities across Ekurhuleni.
These include Kempton Park, Pomona, Clayville, Olifantsfontein, Rhodesfield, KwaThema and Dawn Park.
Some bodies were found near roads or in open areas.
Police have also said that the location where a body was discovered may not be the place where the killing occurred.
The latest five bodies were found within just four days, increasing pressure on investigators to determine whether the cases share a common link.
Special Police Unit Joins Investigation
The investigation now involves a multidisciplinary team.
Specialists from the police Investigative Psychology Unit have joined the inquiry. The unit deals with complex violent crimes, including cases involving possible serial offenders.
Investigators are expected to compare forensic evidence from each scene.
They will also examine whether the similarities point to one offender, several offenders or unrelated crimes.
For now, authorities are keeping all possibilities open.
Police Issue Warning to Women
Police have urged women in affected communities to take extra precautions.
Authorities have advised women to avoid going out alone where possible, particularly while jogging or exercising outdoors.
Police have also increased their presence in the affected areas.
In addition, investigators are asking residents to provide information that could help identify those responsible.
Authorities have offered a $25,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the perpetrator or perpetrators.
Police Warn Against Online Rumors
Authorities have also asked the public not to circulate graphic photographs of the victims.
Police said unverified information and disturbing images can increase fear and may even encourage copycat crimes.
Instead, officials are urging residents to share useful information directly with investigators.
Families who believe someone is missing have also been encouraged to report the disappearance immediately.
South Africa Faces Wider Violence Against Women
The investigation has renewed attention on South Africa’s long-running problem with violent crime and gender-based violence.
The country recorded 5,427 homicides between April and July 2026, according to crime statistics cited by the Associated Press. That works out to roughly 45 killings each day during the period.
The latest deaths have therefore intensified concerns about women’s safety.
Human rights groups and community organizations have called for stronger action to protect women and children and improve accountability for violent crimes.
Investigation Remains Open
For now, South Africa serial killer fears remain an investigation theory rather than an established conclusion.
Police have identified similarities between the cases, but investigators still need forensic and other evidence to determine whether the killings are connected.
The discovery of a ninth body has increased pressure on authorities to establish what happened and whether one person or several people are responsible.
As the investigation continues, police are urging the public to remain cautious, report missing people quickly and provide credible information that could help investigators identify those responsible.
