South African police issue alert after seventh woman’s body found near Johannesburg

Live updates

1. 1h ago

   South Africa Probes Deaths of Nine Women Near Johannesburg

   South African police are investigating the deaths of multiple women whose bodies were discovered in an area east of Johannesburg, sparking intense fear and public anger over high rates of femicide. Authorities formed a high-level team to tackle the murders in Ekurhuleni following the discoveries. President Ramaphosa has vowed action and justice as communities raise concerns about safety and potential serial violence. The string of killings has ignited widespread protests and renewed scrutiny regarding law enforcement responses to violence against women across the country.

   Why it matters

   South Africa contends with severe levels of gender-based violence and femicide, making community safety and policing urgent national issues. The recent cluster of discoveries near a major metropolitan center has heightened public anxiety and triggered demands for systemic reform. High-level government intervention reflects mounting political pressure to address the ongoing security crisis.

   What is confirmed

   • South African police are investigating the deaths of women whose bodies were found in the Ekurhuleni region east of Johannesburg.
   • A high-level team was formed by authorities to tackle the Ekurhuleni murders.
   • President Ramaphosa has vowed action and justice regarding the killings.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The murders are linked to a single serial killer operating in the area.

   What to watch next

   • Results from police investigations into the identities of the victims and potential links between the cases.
   • Official updates from the high-level task team formed to handle the Ekurhuleni murders.
   Sources used for this update (16)

   1. AP News — South African police issue alert after seventh woman’s body found near Johannesburg
   2. BBC — Kempton Park: Fear in South Africa after Elizabeth Moselakgomo's body found
   3. CBS News — Body of 7th woman found in same area of South Africa, sparking fears of serial killer
   4. Reuters — South African police probe killings of seven women, Ramaphosa vows action
   5. IOL — Elizabeth Moselakgomo’s uncle praises eight-year-old daughter for raising alarm after mother’s disappearance
   6. eNCA — Body of seventh woman found in Ekurhuleni
   7. BBC — South African president vows justice as more women's bodies found near Johannesburg
   8. The Independent — Serial killer fears grow as seven women found dead near major city
   9. dw.com — South Africa probes deaths of 7 women near Johannesburg
   10. dw.com — South Africa now probing deaths of 8 women near Johannesburg
   11. The Guardian — ‘We are prey’: discovery of seven women’s bodies fuels anger over femicide in South Africa
   12. Financial Times — Wave of murders spreads fear in Johannesburg
   confidence 100%