Kempton Park: Fear in South Africa after Elizabeth Moselakgomo's body found
South African authorities are investigating a string of killings in Ekurhuleni that has left twelve women dead since July. President Cyril Ramaphosa called the murders a stain on our national conscience, as the ongoing violence sparks intense fear, public debate, and criticism of policing and prevention failures. Female athletes in the region have altered their daily routines and now carry defensive weapons such as pepper spray and knives. While investigators examine potential links between the cases, significant differences between the incidents continue to complicate the ongoing police inquiries.
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- ✓ Twelve women have been killed in one part of South Africa since July.
- ✓ South African President Cyril Ramaphosa says the murders are a stain on our national conscience.
- ✓ Another woman has been found in Tembisa as police investigate the killings in Ekurhuleni.
What changed
The confirmed death toll in the Ekurhuleni serial investigations has climbed from previous reports to twelve women killed since July.
Live updates
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Ekurhuleni Femicide Wave Escalates As Death Toll Climbs
South African authorities are investigating a string of killings in Ekurhuleni that has left twelve women dead since July. President Cyril Ramaphosa called the murders a stain on our national conscience, as the ongoing violence sparks intense fear, public debate, and criticism of policing and prevention failures. Female athletes in the region have altered their daily routines and now carry defensive weapons such as pepper spray and knives. While investigators examine potential links between the cases, significant differences between the incidents continue to complicate the ongoing police inquiries.
Why it matters
The recent discovery of bodies across Thembisa South and Tembisa highlights systemic vulnerabilities in personal safety and law enforcement accountability across the region. Public figures and commentators are debating preventative measures, ranging from personal defense technology to broader societal change, as the mounting death toll intensifies national scrutiny on violence against women.
What is confirmed
- Twelve women have been killed in one part of South Africa since July.
- South African President Cyril Ramaphosa says the murders are a stain on our national conscience.
- Another woman has been found in Tembisa as police investigate the killings in Ekurhuleni.
Still unconfirmed
- Some similarities have raised concerns about possible connections between the cases, though significant differences have complicated the theory.
What to watch next
- Further updates from police regarding potential links between the individual murder cases.
- Developments on technology or policing strategies aimed at improving women's safety in the region.
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (6)
- www.dailymaverick.co.za — The war on women — Ekurhuleni murders highlight SA’s femicide crisis
- www.yahoo.com — Twelve women have been killed in one part of South Africa since July. Here's what we know so far
- www.sowetan.co.za — SEATI MOLOI | Beyond ‘be careful’: tech’s place in women’s safety
- www.dailymaverick.co.za — After another woman murdered in Ekurhuleni, here’s what we know about the killings
- briefly.co.za — Rachel Kolisi Reacts to 11th Woman's Body Found in Ekurhuleni With Femicide Stats - Briefly.co.za
- thenational.co.za — Women runners in South Africa fear for safety after wave of ...
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Another Body Found in South Africa Amid Ekurhuleni Killings Probe
Police have recovered another woman's body in Thembisa South as investigations continue into a string of killings across Ekurhuleni. The latest discovery follows a series of deaths that left nine women dead over a nine-week period, with reports indicating the total count has reached ten. The killings have triggered widespread fear and societal debate regarding gender-based violence in South Africa. Women runners in the area are altering their routines and carrying self-defense items such as pepper spray and knives. Authorities previously detained three suspects in connection with the ninth victim, Jabulile Ntimba.
Why it matters
The string of discoveries near Kempton Park and surrounding areas has intensified scrutiny on law enforcement responses to violence against women. Survivor Alison Botha publicly questioned the lack of urgency surrounding the crisis. Meanwhile, advocacy groups like the Teddy Bear Clinic highlight children as invisible victims of femicide amid the ongoing violence.
What is confirmed
- Another woman's body was discovered in Thembisa South on Saturday morning, 26 September 2026.
- Police arrested two women and a male suspect over the killing of ninth victim Jabulile Ntimba.
- Ten women's bodies were found in the same area in Johannesburg over a two-month period.
Still unconfirmed
- Reports suggest the total count of dead women in and around Kempton Park may have reached 10 prior to the latest discovery.
- UK true crime creator Charley Bourne stated that something sinister is going on.
What to watch next
- Further updates from the South African Police Service regarding links between the Ekurhuleni deaths
- Official confirmation of the total victim count from police investigations
- Developments in the court proceedings for the three suspects arrested over Jabulile Ntimba's killing
confidence 95%Sources used for this update (9)
- www.sabcnews.com — Children are the invisible victims of femicide: Teddy Bear Clinic
- www.timeslive.co.za — Another woman’s body found in Thembisa as the Ekurhuleni killings probe continues - TimesLIVE
- breakthroughnews.org — Bodies of 10 women found dead in South Africa, sparking societal debate on GBV - BT News
- briefly.co.za — Ekurhuleni Murders: How 9 Women’s Deaths Left South Africans Mourning and SAPS Searching for Answers - ....
- www.citizen.co.za — 10th body found in Ekurhuleni: Here's what the police revealed | The Citizen
- iol.co.za — ‘I won’t stop running’: South African women arm themselves amid killing fears
- www.newvision.co.ug — World: South Africa arrests three more suspects after nine w
- briefly.co.za — “Something Sinister Is Going on”: UK True Crime Creator Raises Alarm Over 9 Women Found Dead in SA - ....
- iol.co.za — ‘Where’s the sense of urgency?’ - Alison Botha speaks out after nine women found dead in Ekurhuleni
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Death toll potentially rises in Kempton Park female murder series
At least nine women have been found dead in and around Kempton Park since mid-July, with reports suggesting the count may have reached 10. Most victims were discovered half-naked with visible bruising along the R21 and nearby veld. South African authorities have detained three people as a joint task team investigates if these deaths are linked. The killings have sparked protests and increased pressure on law enforcement to address the national crisis of gender-based violence.
Why it matters
The murders center on a specific geographic corridor in Ekurhuleni. This surge in violence follows the death of Elizabeth Moselakgomo, the first victim identified in the series.
What is confirmed
- At least nine women have been murdered in one area of South Africa.
- Authorities have detained three people in connection with the deaths.
Still unconfirmed
- Victims were left half-naked with visible bruising along the R21 and surrounding veld.
What to watch next
- Confirmation of the exact number of victims
- Results from the joint task team investigation into the linked cases
- Official charges filed against the three detainees
confidence 80%Sources used for this update (2)
- www.nbcnews.com — 9 women, 9 murders: South Africa confronts gender-based violence crisis
- news.nwu.ac.za — When the body count becomes a data point: what Kempton Park tells us about the academy we built
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Police Arrest Three as Ekurhuleni Female Murder Probe Continues
South African authorities have detained three people following a string of nine female deaths in Ekurhuleni. A joint task team is currently investigating the cases to determine if they are linked. This follows the burial of 38-year-old Elizabeth Moselakgomo, the first victim found in the Kempton Park murders, in Phake, Mpumalanga. While police pursue suspects, including arrests in a Dawn Park murder, activists like Alison Botha are demanding a greater sense of urgency from law enforcement to stop the killings.
Why it matters
The deaths have sparked a debate over women's safety and freedom of movement in South Africa. Critics argue that traditional safety advice restricts women's lives rather than preventing crime. Advocates are now calling for systemic reforms and the use of wearable technology to protect women.
What is confirmed
- Nine women were found dead across Ekurhuleni.
- Elizabeth Moselakgomo was 38 years old and the first victim discovered in the Kempton Park murders.
- A joint task team is investigating the killings.
- Three people have been taken into custody.
Still unconfirmed
- Police are probing links between the various cases.
- Arrests were made specifically in a Dawn Park murder.
What to watch next
- Official confirmation of whether the three detainees are linked to all nine deaths.
- Updates on the joint task team's findings regarding the Kempton Park murders.
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (3)
- www.joburgetc.com — ‘Where’s the sense of urgency?’ Alison Botha urges action after nine women found dead in Ekurhuleni
- www.dailymaverick.co.za — Elizabeth ‘Tsontso’ Moselakgomo buried in Mpumalanga as police announce some arrests
- mg.co.za — Beyond ‘Be Careful': Technology’s Place in Women’s Safety
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Elizabeth Moselakgomo buried as Ekurhuleni deaths spark GBV protests
Family and friends buried 38-year-old Elizabeth Moselakgomo, known as Tsontso, in Phake, Mpumalanga on Sunday. Her death is among nine female fatalities in Ekurhuleni that have triggered widespread alarm. Sibu Mpanza, who lost his mother in the region, has pledged support to Women For Change in memory of the victims. While police continue to investigate the deaths, some experts argue that official safety advice for women to avoid walking or running alone acts as a curfew on freedom rather than providing actual protection.
Why it matters
The discovery of nine bodies east of Johannesburg over two months has led to fears of a serial killer. Police previously warned women against exercising alone in Kempton Park. These events have intensified local anger over gender-based violence.
What is confirmed
- Elizabeth Moselakgomo was 38 years old.
- Elizabeth Moselakgomo's funeral took place in Phake, Mpumalanga on Sunday.
- Nine women have died in Ekurhuleni.
Still unconfirmed
- Safety advice for women to avoid running alone constitutes a curfew on their freedom.
What to watch next
- Police confirmation of a link between the nine deaths
- Arrests related to the Kempton Park fatalities
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (3)
- www.timeslive.co.za — ‘I carry you inside my heart’: Tsontso’s daughter pays tribute at mother’s funeral
- weekendargus.co.za — ‘I cried for the eight-year-old’- Sibu Mpanza’s heartbreaking GBV plea after losing his mother
- www.sowetan.co.za — NARNIA BOHLER-MULLER | ‘Don’t run alone’: the curfew we keep placing on women
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Kempton Park Police Warn Women After Nine Bodies Discovered
Police have issued warnings for women to avoid walking or running alone near Kempton Park after the discovery of nine bodies in the area east of Johannesburg. Detectives are investigating whether the deaths are connected. The string of discoveries over the past two months has stoked widespread anxiety and anger regarding gender-based violence, alongside growing alarm among residents who fear a serial killer is operating in the region. Authorities have cautioned the public against prematurely linking all of the killings together while investigations continue.
Why it matters
South Africa contends with high rates of femicide and gender-based violence, leaving communities particularly vulnerable to panic when multiple violent crimes emerge in close proximity. The latest discoveries near Johannesburg have intensified public scrutiny on public safety and police response times. The South African president previously vowed justice as authorities face mounting pressure to solve the string of deaths.
What is confirmed
- Nine women have been found dead around Kempton Park.
- Detectives are investigating possible links between the cases.
Still unconfirmed
- Residents east of Johannesburg fear a serial killer may be at large.
What to watch next
- Police determinations on whether the nine deaths are linked
- Further forensic updates from detectives investigating the Kempton Park cases
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (2)
- www.ibtimes.co.uk — Women Warned Not To Walk or Run Alone After Nine Bodies Found Near Kempton Park
- www.yahoo.com — Serial killer fears in Johannesburg after ninth body found
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South Africa Probes Nine Women Deaths
South African authorities are investigating a string of deaths after the bodies of nine women were discovered in the Kempton Park area east of Johannesburg. The grim discoveries over the past two months have triggered widespread fear and anger, intensifying anxiety over femicide and gender-based violence in the country. Police have issued alerts and cautioned the public against assuming all the killings are linked, while the South African president has vowed justice.
Why it matters
The string of deaths near Johannesburg has galvanized public outrage regarding gender-based violence in South Africa. The discovery of multiple bodies in close proximity has fueled community panic and raised public concerns about a potential serial killer operating in the area. Authorities face mounting pressure from citizens and leaders alike to solve the cases and address the broader crisis of violence against women.
What is confirmed
- South African police have discovered the bodies of women in the Kempton Park area, east of Johannesburg, over the past two months.
- The South African president has vowed justice.
- Police have cautioned against assuming that all the killings are linked.
Still unconfirmed
- Fears have been sparked that a serial killer is responsible for the deaths.
What to watch next
- Further updates from South African police on whether the killings are connected
- Official identification of the victims
- Developments in the police investigation into the Kempton Park deaths
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (9)
- AP News — South African police issue alert after seventh woman’s body found near Johannesburg
- BBC — Kempton Park: Fear in South Africa after Elizabeth Moselakgomo's body found
- CBS News — Body of 7th woman found in same area of South Africa, sparking fears of serial killer
- BBC — South African president vows justice as more women's bodies found near Johannesburg
- dw.com — South Africa now probing deaths of 8 women near Johannesburg
- The Guardian — ‘We are prey’: discovery of seven women’s bodies fuels anger over femicide in South Africa
- www.newsday.com — What to know about the deaths of 8 women in South Africa that have sparked fear and anger
- www.thesouthafrican.com — Kempton Park killings: Rachel John speaks out on GBV in SA
- www.bbc.co.uk — Ninth woman's body found as South African police investigate string of deaths
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