At Least 12 Women Killed in Ekurhuleni Since July, Police Investigate

Since July, the bodies of at least 12 women have been found in the Ekurhuleni area east of Johannesburg. This series of killings has raised alarm across the community and prompted a strong response from the police and government.

The first known case was Busisiwe Mahlangu, whose body was discovered in Kempton Park on 15 July. Since then, more bodies have been found in places like Kempton Park, Olifantsfontein, Springs, Boksburg, and Tembisa. Most of the women were in their 20s or 30s, and several were found partly or fully unclothed with signs of violence.

Police have made arrests in some cases. For example, three suspects were arrested related to the death of Jabulile Ntimba, with two women charged with premeditated murder while a man initially arrested was released due to insufficient evidence. However, authorities have not confirmed that all the deaths are connected, and they continue to investigate whether a serial killer might be involved.

A specialist police team has been set up to focus on these investigations. This team includes detectives, forensic experts, and other specialists working to collect evidence and identify those responsible. Forensic results are still pending in some cases, which may help link suspects to specific crimes.

President Cyril Ramaphosa called the killings a “stain on our national conscience” and said the violence against women must not define the country. He has directed that the investigations be prioritised and urged the public to provide any information that could help.

There was also a separate discovery of a woman’s body in a dam in Soweto, about 63 kilometres from Ekurhuleni. It is not yet clear if this death is connected to the others.

The police continue to appeal for public cooperation and caution against assuming all cases are linked without evidence. Investigations are ongoing, and the situation remains fluid as new information emerges.