Ekurhuleni murders: Police name nine women found in recent spree

The South African Police Service (Saps) has named nine women whose bodies were discovered across Ekurhuleni in recent months, following what police described as a major breakthrough in the investigation.

Who the victims were

Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe provided the list of victims and the dates and places where their bodies were found. The nine women, listed in order of discovery, are:

• Busisiwe Mahlangu found in Kempton Park on 15 July 2026
• Itumeleng Kekana found in Kempton Park on 03 August 2026
• Nomfesane Mjobo found in Kempton Park on 26 August 2026
• Unknown found floating in the Clayville River in Olifantsfontein on 7 September 2026
• Gracious Nkomo found in Dawn Park on 10 September 2026
• Elizabeth Moselakgomo found in Kempton Park on 12 September 2026
• Name withheld her name cannot yet be revealed until her family has been informed; found in Olifantsfontein on 14 September 2026
• Dineo Motapane found in Kwa-Thema on 15 September 2026
• Jabulile Ntimba found in Dawn Park on 17 September 2026

Arrests and developments

Police said three suspects were arrested on Monday in connection with the murder of the ninth victim. The arrests relate specifically to the discovery of Gracious Nkomo’s semi-naked body in Dawn Park, which was found wrapped in a sheet.

Investigation expands

Separately, the Saps in Gauteng has opened an inquest after the discovery of a tenth woman’s body in Soweto. According to police, that body was wrapped in a duvet and dumped in a dam at Moroka.

Questions about a possible serial offender

Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia said investigators have not confirmed whether a serial killer is responsible, but that the possibility cannot be ruled out. Detectives are examining whether the cases are linked amid rising concern over the spate of killings in the region.

Broader safety concerns

Police statements noted that Ekurhuleni has emerged as a hotspot for kidnappings, a factor that has compounded public safety fears as detectives intensify efforts to determine motive, links between cases and to bring those responsible to justice.