SAHRC: 569 women killed in three months as Ekurhuleni probe into eight deaths intensifies

The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) has reported that 569 women were killed and 1,052 survived attempted murder between April and June 2026, and said the recent discovery of eight women’s bodies in Ekurhuleni has deepened concern over violence against women.

Numbers underscore a national crisis

The SAHRC said 8,814 rape cases were reported during the first quarter of 2026. In a statement accompanying the figures, the commission warned that violence against women remains pervasive and continues to deprive women of their rights to life, safety, dignity and freedom.

Eight bodies found in Ekurhuleni

Police discovered the bodies of eight women at different locations in Ekurhuleni over the past two months and have been intensifying investigations to establish whether the deaths are linked. The commission conveyed its condolences to the families.

Details from police reports

• On July 15, a 37-year-old woman was found naked and restrained with cable ties in an open field in Kempton Park; a suspect, reportedly the victim’s partner, was arrested on July 17.
• On August 3, the body of Itumeleng Kekana was found in Kempton Park.
• On September 7, a woman believed to be in her late 20s was found in a river in Clayville, Olifantsfontein, near Thembisa Mall; police said she was found wearing only underwear.
• Also on September 7, another unidentified woman’s body was discovered in Olifantsfontein.
• On September 10, an unidentified woman was found near Kempton Park; her body was naked and in an advanced state of decomposition.
• On September 12, the remains of 38-year-old Elizabeth “Tsontso” Moselakgomo were found partially naked and bruised in Rhodesfield, Kempton Park; her family positively identified her on September 14.
• On September 14, another unidentified woman’s body was found in Olifantsfontein; police said the body was partially naked and bruised.
• On September 15, the body of 38-year-old Dineo Evelyn Motapane was found in Kwa-Thema, Springs; her body was naked and in a state of decomposition. Police said Motapane was last seen alive on Sunday and her family had not reported her missing before her body was discovered; her family positively identified her at the Springs Mortuary.

Investigations, arrests and rewards

The SAHRC noted positive developments in the arrest of one suspect and the identification of a second suspect. Police said they are using forensic processes to establish identities where required and are examining the circumstances around each death to determine whether the cases are connected.

Two rewards have been offered for information: the Democratic Alliance announced a R500,000 reward for information leading to successful arrests, and police announced a separate R400,000 reward. Together the rewards total R900,000.

SAHRC warnings and planned inquiry

The commission repeated a cautionary observation by Justice Khampepe in S v Tshabalala; Ntuli v S (2019):

“The notion that rape is committed by sexually deviant monsters with no self-control is misplaced. Law databases are replete with cases that contradict this notion. Often, those who rape are fathers, brothers, uncles, husbands, lovers, mentors, bosses and colleagues. We commune with them. We share stories and coffee with them. We jog with them. We work with them. They are ordinary people who lead normal lives.”

The SAHRC said the comments emphasise the pervasiveness of violence against women and warned that women and girls should not be expected to lead the struggle against gendered violence alone.

To assess the state’s response to gender-based violence and femicide, the SAHRC, together with the Commission for Gender Equality and the Commission for the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Cultural, Religious and Linguistic Communities, will conduct a joint national inquiry from September 28 to October 2, 2026. The inquiry will examine reporting, victim support, investigation, prosecution, sentencing and rehabilitation of GBVF cases.

Calls for stronger state and municipal action

The SAHRC welcomed the appointment of the National Council on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide in August 2026 and called on the state to ensure the council is legally, structurally and financially equipped to respond meaningfully. The commission also urged municipalities to maintain open fields, cut long grass, rehabilitate abandoned buildings, keep streetlights operational and make water and sanitation infrastructure accessible in safe spaces.

The commission urged the public and civil society organisations to contribute to the upcoming inquiry so shortcomings in the state’s response to gender-based violence can be addressed.