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South Africa: 12 Women Found Dead Near Johannesburg
29 Sep
Summary
- Twelve women's bodies found in Ekurhuleni over two months.
- Most victims were found partially or fully naked and bruised.
- Police have formed a task team and offered a reward for information.
Police in South Africa confirmed the discovery of 12 women's bodies in the Ekurhuleni area, east of Johannesburg, over the past two months. The latest three bodies were found between Saturday and Monday. The grim discoveries, beginning with Busisiwe Mahlangu on July 15, 2026, have caused significant alarm, particularly in Kempton Park, and highlighted ongoing concerns about violence against women.
Many victims were found partially or fully naked and bore bruises, with some cases also involving burns or being bound. While a few arrests have been made in cases not believed to be connected to the majority, police have not ruled out the possibility of a serial killer. The South African president described the killings as a 'stain on our national conscience'.
A specialized task team has been established to investigate these murders, and a reward of 400,000 rand is being offered for information leading to arrests. South Africa faces a high homicide rate, with statistics indicating hundreds of women are killed each year.
