- Ninth woman's body discovered early Thursday in Dawn Park, near a construction site, with an apparent stab wound and cut throat.
- Police confirmed that the discovery of the latest body will be added to the investigations into the deaths of women in Ekurhuleni.
- Eight bodies had previously been found across Ekurhuleni, raising concerns that they were carried out by the same person or people.
- The first body was discovered in Kempton Park on 15 July, with a suspect arrested two days later but not linked to other deaths.
- Further bodies were discovered in August and September across several Ekurhuleni communities including Kempton Park, Olifantsfontein, Clayville, and KwaThema.
- The eighth body was identified as Dineo Evelyn Motapane, found by the roadside in KwaThema on Tuesday.
- The discoveries have sent shock waves around the country, highlighting the scourge of femicide and high levels of violent crime.
South African police have confirmed the discovery of a ninth woman's body in Dawn Park, east of Johannesburg, amid growing fears of a serial killer. The body was found half-naked and wrapped in a sheet, echoing the circumstances of previous victims.12
All nine bodies have been located across Ekurhuleni over the past two months, with police investigating potential links between the cases. Provincial police commissioner Fred Kekana stated that the latest victim appeared to be around 30 years old, with stab wounds and signs of violence.
The police have not yet established whether all deaths are connected, but deputy police chief Tebello Mosikili expressed urgency, stating, "We cannot continue picking up bodies." The first body was discovered on July 15, with subsequent victims found in various locations including Kempton Park and KwaThema.5
Among the identified victims is Elizabeth "Tsontso" Moselakgomo, who disappeared during a run and was found days later. Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi assured the public that police are pursuing leads in the investigation, emphasizing, "They've declared war against the state. We'll respond." The situation has ignited national outrage and highlighted the ongoing crisis of femicide in South Africa.
A multidisciplinary team has been assigned to the investigation, and police have urged the public to refrain from sharing unverified information on social media, which could incite further panic.
“Police have offered a 400,000 rand ($24,000) reward for information leading to arrests, and a multidisciplinary team is investigating. Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi said authorities are pursuing leads and making progress in two or three cases, while urging the public not to spread unverified reports.”
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