Latest development (17 September 2026)
A passerby found the body of an unidentified Black woman believed to be around 30 years old in an open space (reports mention Lama Street or near a construction site). She was partially clothed or half-naked (variously described as wearing a blue T-shirt and pink underwear, or wrapped in a sheet), face down, with apparent injuries including a possible stab wound to the side and throat cut. Preliminary police assessments indicate she was likely killed elsewhere and her body dumped at the scene. The discovery was added to the ongoing investigation of the previous eight cases.
Gauteng Acting Provincial Commissioner Major General Fred Kekana and other officials confirmed the find. A multidisciplinary team (detectives, intelligence, forensics, and specialists) is already working the cases. Police have increased patrols and visibility, imposed measures including a lockdown/roadblocks in parts of Kempton Park under operations like Shanela, and appealed for public tips via Crime Stop (08600 10111) or the MySAPS App. A R400,000 reward (offered by SAPS) plus additional amounts from the Democratic Alliance (around R500,000 in some reports) is available for information leading to arrests.
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi described the situation in strong terms (“Someone has declared war against us and we will push back”), expressing confidence in the investigative capacity of the state. Acting National Commissioner Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane and others have conveyed condolences and vowed to intensify efforts.
Police public alert / warning
The formal public warning to women was issued around the time of the seventh body (mid-September, specifically after discoveries on or around 15 September). SAPS spokesperson Athlenda Mathe and provincial leadership stated that while investigations were ongoing and police had not confirmed a serial killer or that all deaths were linked, “the similarities are sufficiently concerning for the police to issue a public warning and intensify investigations.”
Women were advised to exercise extreme caution: avoid walking or jogging alone (especially in isolated areas), avoid secluded spaces, remain vigilant, and preferably travel or exercise in groups. The alert highlighted the Ekurhuleni area (particularly around Kempton Park near OR Tambo International Airport and surrounding townships). This came amid community fear, social media campaigns (notably after one high-profile runner’s disappearance), and broader frustration over gender-based violence.
Police have repeatedly cautioned against premature conclusions about a single serial perpetrator. Officials have noted the possibility of one person, a group, or distinct but similar events. Forensic psychologist and former SAPS Investigative Psychology Section head Dr. Gérard Labuschagne has publicly suggested treating the cases as a potential serial-murder investigation until evidence proves otherwise, citing geographic proximity, timeframe, and similar victim profiles.
Timeline and known details of the cases
Bodies have been found across Ekurhuleni communities including Kempton Park (and nearby Pomona/Rhodesfield), Clayville/Olifantsfontein, KwaThema (Springs), and now Dawn Park. Victims have generally been women in their 20s to late 30s, often found naked or partially clothed, with visible trauma (bruises, stab wounds, possible strangulation or binding in some cases). Some showed signs consistent with sexual violence. Not all cases have been publicly confirmed as linked, and identification of several remains ongoing (DNA processes, appeals for families of missing persons to come forward).
Approximate sequence based on available reports (some earlier cases were later folded into the wider probe; exact details can vary slightly by source as investigations evolve):
- 15 July 2026 (Kempton Park, near R21): First body — 37-year-old woman found naked and restrained with cable ties in an open field. A suspect (reportedly her boyfriend/partner, described in some reports as a foreigner) was arrested two days later and remains in custody. This case is treated separately in some accounts but forms part of the broader scrutiny.
- July/early August (Pomona/Kempton Park area): Itumeleng Kekana, 32 (originally from QwaQwa; left a teenage daughter). Reported missing around 17 July. Body found 3 August on Great North Road in Pomona (partially clothed/naked, multiple stab wounds, facial trauma). Family conducted an extensive search of hospitals, stations, and mortuaries.
- 24 August (near R21, Kempton Park area): 32-year-old woman found partially clothed.
- Around 7–10 September (Clayville/Olifantsfontein and Kempton Park areas): Additional bodies, including one in a river near Tembisa/Mall of Thembisa (late 20s, underwear only) and a naked, decomposed body near R21/Voortrekker Road. One was later included after initial discovery.
- 9–12 September (Rhodesfield/Kempton Park): Elizabeth “Tsontso” Moselakgomo, 38, a runner and mother. Left home for an afternoon/evening jog; her 8-year-old daughter raised the alarm. Body found partially clothed behind a hotel a few days later. Her case went viral among runners and the community, amplifying attention on the earlier discoveries.
- 14–15 September (Olifantsfontein and KwaThema): Further bodies. One in Olifantsfontein (partially naked, bruises; possible dump site). On 15 September in KwaThema (Springs), the body of Dineo Evelyn Motapane, 38 (last seen Sunday; not yet reported missing; identified by family at Springs Mortuary on Wednesday; leaves a young daughter). Reports indicated advanced decomposition or strangulation indications in related finds.
- 17 September (Dawn Park): Ninth body as detailed above.
By mid-September the count reached eight, then nine with the Dawn Park discovery. At least three victims have been publicly named (Kekana, Moselakgomo, Motapane); others remain unidentified or identification is in process. Families and the National Council on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide have urged relatives of missing persons to assist with DNA identification.
Broader context, responses, and implications
These deaths occur against South Africa’s well-documented high rates of gender-based violence and femicide (rates significantly above the global average per UN Women and local data). Public reaction has included grief, anger (“We are prey”), community gatherings at scenes, criticism of response times and systemic issues, and calls for better safety measures, lighting, and policing in affected areas. President Cyril Ramaphosa directed prioritisation of the investigations. Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia and others have engaged, while emphasising careful investigation over speculation.
Police stress that each case is being thoroughly examined for links (or lack thereof), with one arrest already made in the July case and a person of interest mentioned in briefings. No confirmation of a single serial killer exists at this stage, though the geographic clustering (all within the Ekurhuleni metro, spanning roughly tens of kilometres), timeframe (roughly two months), victim demographics, and body disposal patterns have driven the heightened response and public fear.
Investigations continue with increased resources. Residents in the East Rand/Ekurhuleni area are urged to remain vigilant and report information promptly. This remains a developing story; official updates from SAPS should be monitored for confirmations on identities, causes of death, linkages, or arrests. The situation underscores ongoing challenges with violent crime against women in South Africa while highlighting community pressure for accountability and prevention.
