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4 clusters · 18 sources · 30 days · First seen about 2 months ago · Last updated 25 days ago

Investigation into deaths of nine women in Ekurhuleni

Overview

Authorities in the Kempton Park and Ekurhuleni regions of Gauteng are investigating the deaths of at least nine women discovered since July 2026. The victims have been found with concerning similarities, including being partially or entirely naked and exhibiting visible physical trauma or bruising. The most recent discovery occurred near a construction site in Dawn Park, involving a woman estimated to be around 30 years old who suffered a fatal injury to her throat. This follows previous discoveries in Rhodesfield, Olifantsfontein, and KwaThema. Of the nine victims, five remain unidentified, while one identified victim is 38-year-old Dineo Motapane. Acting Gauteng Police Commissioner Fred Kekana stated that investigators have found “possible links between some of the cases,” though forensic and criminal findings are required for a definitive conclusion. While a serial killer has not been officially confirmed, one man is in custody in connection with one of the murders, and police are investigating whether he is linked to the other deaths. In response, Acting National Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Puleng Dimpane ordered a multidisciplinary task team of specialists. President Cyril Ramaphosa has also intervened, stating that “no stone will be left unturned” to bring those responsible to justice. The string of killings has sparked significant fear and local protests against violence against women. Authorities have increased patrols and urged the public to provide information while cautioning against spreading unverified claims or images of the deceased on social media. One victim has been identified as 38-year-old Elizabeth ‘Tsontso’ Moselakgomo. She disappeared on September 9, 2026, while leaving her Kempton Park home for an afternoon run; her body was discovered three days later in the Rhodesfield area. Her death is being investigated as part of the broader series of murders occurring across Ekurhuleni within a nine-week period.

Entities

Elizabeth Moselakgomo · Athlenda Mathe · Kempton Park · South African Police Service · Ekurhuleni

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 9 SOURCES] SAPS is investigating whether the deaths of five women in the Ekurhuleni area are linked to a single perpetrator or multiple suspects.
[● 5 SOURCES] The discovered bodies showed similarities, including being found partially or entirely naked and having visible bruising or physical trauma.
[● 3 SOURCES] A multidisciplinary task team including the Murder and Robbery Unit and Investigative Psychology Unit has been formed to lead the investigation.
[● 3 SOURCES] A suspect remains in custody in connection with the first victim found on July 15, 2026.
[● 2 SOURCES] Police have increased patrols and deployed additional resources, including K9 units and forensic experts, in the affected areas.
[● 2 SOURCES] Authorities have issued a public warning for women in Kempton Park and Rhodesfield to avoid walking or running alone in isolated areas.
[○ 1 SOURCE] President Cyril Ramaphosa has directed that the investigation into the killings be prioritized.

Timeline

25 days ago

[CRIME] 4 sources
Police arrest suspect in Elizabeth Moselakgomo murder investigation
A suspect has been arrested for possession of property belonging to murdered runner Elizabeth Moselakgomo in South Africa, though no murder charges have been filed yet.
about 2 months ago

[CRIME] 2 sources
Elizabeth Moselakgomo murdered after disappearance during run
Eight-year-old Khumo Moselakgomo honored her mother, Elizabeth ‘Tsontso’ Moselakgomo, at her funeral following her murder in Kempton Park, amid investigations into nine female deaths in Ekurhuleni.
about 2 months ago

[CRIME] 9 sources
Kempton Park police investigate series of women's killings
South African police are investigating the deaths of at least six women in the Ekurhuleni area, including Kempton Park, amid fears of a serial killer. A specialized task team has been formed to probe the cases.
about 2 months ago

[CRIME] 9 sources
Kempton Park runner Elizabeth Moselakgomo found dead
The body of missing Kempton Park runner Elizabeth Moselakgomo has been identified. Police are investigating her death alongside several other recent female fatalities in the region.

Sources

bona.co.za · celebgossip.co.za · enca.com · ghanamma.com · kurir.rs · myjoyonline.com · radiogeneration.co.ke · sabcnews.com · sacbc.org.za · sanews.gov.za · sapeople.com · scrolla.africa · sundayworld.co.za · thekasiboy.co.za · thepresidency.gov.za · thesouthafrican.com · townpress.co.za · yfm.co.za

This summary has been updated 5 times: see revision history