Ekurhuleni Woman Murders: 12 Bodies Found in Two Months

Police confirmed the discovery of 12 female victims in the Ekurhuleni region east of Johannesburg between 15 July and 20 September 2026. Most bodies were uncovered in the Kempton Park and Springs corridors, generating widespread alarm and prompting a task‑force review.

Case 1: Busisiwe Mahlangu (15 July)

The 37‑year‑old was found naked with hands bound by cable ties. Police arrested her suspected partner two days later; arrests have not linked him to the other killings.

Case 2: Itumeleng Kekana (3 August)

The 32‑year‑old mother disappeared after July. Her body, bruised and partially clothed, was dumped on a bridge in Kempton Park. No arrests yet.

Case 3: Nomfesane Mjobo (26 August)

Found on a road near Kempton Park, the 28‑year‑old was at least partially naked with bruises. Police have not made any arrests.

Case 4: Unknown Woman (7 September)

A woman in her 20s was found floating in a river in Olifantsfontein, wearing only underwear. No details or arrests released.

Case 5: Gracious Nkomo (10 September)

The 28‑year‑old was discovered near Johannesburg’s busiest airport, partly clothed and wrapped in a sheet. No arrests.

Case 6: Elizabeth "Tsontso" Moselakgomo (12 September)

The 38‑year‑old runner disappeared while jogging near her home. Her bruised body was found on a bridge and her death heightened public alarm. No arrests.

Case 7: Unidentified Woman (14 September)

Found in Olifantsfontein, the victim remains unnamed as families await notification. No arrests.

Case 8: Dineo Motapane (15 September)

The 38‑year‑old was found partially burned on a road in Springs. She left a young child behind. No arrests.

Case 9: Jabulile Ntimba (17 September)

A woman in her 30s was discovered half‑naked on a Boksburg road. Three suspects were arrested, one released, two women charged with pre‑meditated murder.

Case 10: Ntombifuthi Nxumalo (26 September)

The victim was found at a Tembisa cemetery, naked with head injuries and stones nearby, suggesting stoning. A 36‑year‑old man was detained a day after the discovery.

Case 11: Unidentified Woman (27 September)

A woman was discovered in an open field in Springs by a security company. No further details or arrests.

Case 12: Unidentified Woman (20 September)

A 23‑year‑old was shot in Tembisa during a robbery. Though unrelated to the other cases, it is the 12th body in the region. The body was also found 39 km away in a Soweto dam wrapped in a duvet; investigators are still determining a link.

Police have launched a task team, offered a reward of 400,000 rand for information, and called for calm while the investigation continues. The killings follow a trend of high violence against women in South Africa, with 569 women murdered between April and June of 2026 alone.

For further details and live updates, follow BBCAfrica on Twitter or visit their website.