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Nine women found dead near Johannesburg have heightened fears as South African police investigate possible links between the killings.
JOHANNESBURG — South African police are investigating the deaths of nine women whose bodies were discovered over about two months in the Ekurhuleni municipality east of Johannesburg, amid concerns that some of the cases could be connected. Authorities have not established that a serial killer is responsible, and investigators are examining whether the deaths involve one or more perpetrators.
The latest victim was found Thursday in Dawn Park, near Boksburg. Police said the unidentified woman appeared to be in her 30s and had injuries including an apparent stab wound and a wound to the throat. Her official cause of death had not been established as forensic investigators continued examining the scene.
Police said the nine victims were women in their 20s and 30s, and several of the bodies were found naked or partially clothed. Investigators have identified similarities among some of the cases, including bruising and indications of sexual violence, but officials have cautioned against concluding that the deaths were all carried out by the same person. A multidisciplinary police team, including specialists who investigate complex violent crimes, has been assigned to the investigation.
One of the victims was 38-year-old Elizabeth Moselakgomo, who disappeared after leaving home for an afternoon run in early September. Her body was found several days later. Police have also arrested a suspect in connection with the first body discovered in July, although authorities have not publicly established whether that person is connected to the other deaths.
The investigation has heightened concerns in a country that has struggled with high levels of violence against women and girls. South African police recorded 39,304 reported sexual offenses between April and December 2024, including more than 31,000 reported cases of rape, according to figures cited by The Washington Post. South Africa also has a long history of high-profile serial killings, including the case of Moses Sithole, who was convicted in the 1990s of murdering dozens of women and a child.
The deaths have prompted public demonstrations and renewed calls for stronger measures to protect women. Police have increased patrols in affected areas and appealed to residents to provide information that could help investigators determine whether the cases are connected and identify those responsible.
The killings also come less than a year after South Africa classified gender-based violence and femicide as a national disaster in November 2025. The declaration followed years of concern over violence against women, while rights organizations have continued to call for stronger prevention measures, improved policing and greater support for survivors.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has directed law enforcement authorities to prioritize the investigations. Police officials have urged the public to avoid spreading graphic images or unverified claims on social media while detectives work to establish the circumstances surrounding each death.
Sources: The Associated Press, Reuters, BBC, The Washington Post, CNN, NPR and Al Jazeera.