Police in Kempton Park, east of Johannesburg, recovered the body of a ninth woman in a two-month string of killings, intensifying fears of a serial attacker. Authorities have imposed a local lockdown and mounted roadblocks while forensic teams investigate. Rewards totaling roughly 400,000 rand plus additional funds from the Democratic Alliance have been offered as investigators probe links between the cases. The attacks have renewed urgent calls to tackle endemic gender-based violence in South Africa.
Ninth Woman Found Dead Near Johannesburg Sparks Fears of Serial Attacks
Gender-based violence is endemic in South Africa (EMMANUEL CROSET)
South African police on Thursday recovered the body of a ninth woman east of Johannesburg, the latest in a string of killings over two months that has heightened public alarm and raised fears of a possible serial attacker or group.
Investigation Underway
Authorities imposed a lockdown in Kempton Park in the Ekurhuleni municipality and set up roadblocks after three bodies were found this week. A police cordon lined the roadside where the latest victim was discovered; forensic officers in white protective suits combed the scene while the woman's body lay covered by a sheet.
"We cannot continue picking up bodies,"deputy police chief Tebello Mosikili told journalists at the scene.
Community Reaction
Residents said the killings have left them shaken. "This is very scary... as women and children we no longer feel safe," said local resident Patience Masa. Another neighbour, Zanele Vilakazi, added: "I told someone on the phone that I don't feel safe — for this to happen in the morning, we are not safe."
Rewards and Leads
Police announced a reward of 400,000 rand (about $25,000) for information that leads to an arrest, and the Democratic Alliance, the country's second-largest political party, offered an additional $31,000. Mosikili said investigators are determining whether the latest discovery is linked to previous murders or the work of a copycat.
Known Cases And Arrest
One victim, 38-year-old Elizabeth Moselakgomo, left her eight-year-old daughter at home to go for a jog and did not return; her body was found on September 12 behind a hotel following a social media search by fellow runners. The first victim — a 37-year-old woman — was found bound with cable ties on July 15; a suspect was arrested two days later and has appeared in court. Police described the arrested man as a foreign national but did not specify his country of origin.
Context
Gender-based violence remains endemic in South Africa: the United Nations estimates one in three women will experience physical or sexual violence in her lifetime. National and provincial leaders have vowed strong action. Provincial premier Panyaza Lesufi said, "someone has declared war against us, and we will push back; we are not going to surrender," while President Cyril Ramaphosa pledged that "no stone will be left unturned." Civil society and sporting bodies have condemned the killings and urged urgent measures to protect women and children.
Note: Investigations are ongoing and authorities have appealed for anyone with information to come forward.
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