Eight Women Killed in South Africa Spark Serial Killer Fears

South African police are urgently investigating the deaths of at least eight women discovered over a two-month period in areas east of Johannesburg, with fears rising that a serial killer may be responsible. The latest victim was found on Tuesday, adding to a growing list of missing persons whose cases authorities believe may be connected.

The South African Police Services (SAPS) has issued a public advisory urging women to exercise caution when engaging in outdoor activities such as jogging within the affected regions. While officials have not definitively confirmed that the killings are the work of a single perpetrator, the patterns between the cases have prompted heightened concern.

“While investigations are still underway and SAPS has not, at this stage, confirmed that the deaths are linked to a serial killer, the similarities are sufficiently concerning for the police to issue a public warning and intensify investigations,” police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe stated.

President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the crisis on Tuesday, ordering law enforcement to make these murder investigations a top priority. “I have directed that these cases be prioritized and that no stone be left unturned in bringing those responsible to justice. Our law enforcement agencies are undertaking this work in partnership with citizens, on whom we depend for any information that may help end these attacks on women,” Ramaphosa said.

The recent wave of discoveries includes a body found on Tuesday in Kwa-Thema, located approximately 34 kilometers from Kempton Park. Police reported that the victim was found fully naked and in an advanced state of decomposition. Prior to this, another body was recovered in Olifantsontein on Monday.

On Saturday, the search for Elizabeth “Tsontso” Moselakgomo concluded with the discovery of her half-naked body. Moselakgomo, 38, had vanished while jogging in Kempton Park the previous week. Her disappearance galvanized the community, leading to a social media campaign by fellow runners that ultimately aided in locating her remains.

Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia described the sequence of findings as “deeply disturbing.” He emphasized that a multidisciplinary investigation team has been formed to determine links between the cases, identify suspects, and ensure accountability. “While the investigation must establish whether these cases are linked, the possibility that a perpetrator or perpetrators may be targeting women demands our urgent and determined attention,” Cachalia stated in a press release.

These events have reignited national discourse on gender-based violence, a critical issue in South Africa. According to recent crime statistics from April through July, the country recorded 5,427 murders, averaging 45 killings per day. The United Nations Entity for Gender Equality notes that South Africa’s femicide rates are among the highest globally.

In 2025, the South African government officially declared gender-based violence and femicide a national disaster. A 2024 study indicated that from 2020 to 2021, three women were killed daily by intimate partners. Furthermore, research from 2022 revealed that over 35% of adult South African women had experienced physical or sexual violence at some point in their lives.

Amnesty International South Africa condemned the killings, stating they served as “just another horrific reminder that women in South Africa are not safe.” The Commission for Gender Equality has called for immediate preventive measures, including a comprehensive safety audit of the impacted areas.

Javu Baloyi, a spokesperson for the Commission, stressed the urgency of the situation: “Women should not have to be killed before an area receives heightened attention.” The proposed audit would involve police, municipal officials, transport authorities, and community safety groups to evaluate lighting, surveillance, pedestrian routes, and emergency access.