Ninth Body Found in Ekurhuleni as South Africa Investigates Serial Deaths

South African authorities confirmed the recovery of a ninth woman’s body in the past two months, fueling urgent investigations into a string of unexplained fatalities near Johannesburg. The latest victim was discovered half-naked and wrapped in a sheet on the side of a road in Dawn Park early Thursday morning, police reported. Her identity remains undisclosed.

The discovery adds to a total of nine deaths across the Ekurhuleni metropolitan area since July. While several victims were found with injuries and partially clothed, law enforcement has not yet determined if the cases are linked or if they involve a single serial killer.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has pledged a thorough investigation, stating that “no stone will be left unturned” to identify those responsible for the killings, which he described as generating fear and uncertainty within communities.

Among the identified victims is 38-year-old Elizabeth “Tsontso” Moselakgomo, whose body was found three days after she went missing while out for a run last week. Her remains were located behind a hotel in Kempton Park. Two others have also been named: Itumeleng Kekana, who had been missing since July, and 38-year-old Dineo Evelyn Motapane, whose body was found on a roadside in KwaThema on Tuesday.

The first fatality was discovered in Kempton Park on July 15. A suspect was taken into custody two days later in connection with that specific case but has not been linked to the other deaths. Additional bodies have been found in Kempton Park, Olifantsfontein, Clayville, and KwaThema throughout August and September.

Local media reports indicate the most recent victim, believed to be in her 30s, had bruises and stab wounds. In response, police have assembled a multidisciplinary team comprising detectives, intelligence officers, and forensic experts to analyze potential connections between the cases. Authorities are also pursuing another person of interest, though they have not specified which case it involves.

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi urged calm but emphasized the severity of the situation, stating, “Let’s not get emotional, the gloves are off,” and affirming that authorities have the capacity to resolve the killings. A reward of 400,000 rand ($24,000; £18,000) has been offered for information leading to arrests.

Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia cautioned against speculation, describing the incidents as “quite distinct, separate events” at this stage, while acknowledging that investigators are exploring the possibility of a group being responsible. The killings have sparked widespread alarm in Ekurhuleni against a backdrop of persistent concerns regarding violence against women in South Africa.