Fears are growing in South Africa after eight women were found dead in the same broader area near Johannesburg in less than two months, prompting an urgent police investigation and a major reward for information.
The deaths have been discovered across Ekurhuleni, east of Johannesburg, including Kempton Park, Olifantsfontein and Kwa-Thema.
Authorities are investigating whether the cases are connected, but police have not confirmed that a serial killer is responsible.
The case took another disturbing turn Tuesday night when acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia confirmed that an eighth woman’s body had been added to the investigation.
Police later announced a R400,000 reward — roughly $23,000 — for information that could lead to the arrest of whoever is responsible for the killings.
Only two of the eight women had been positively identified as of Wednesday, according to local reporting.
Police are urging families with missing relatives in the area to come forward and assist investigators with identifying the remaining victims.
One of the women identified was 38-year-old Elizabeth “Tsontso” Moselakgomo.
Moselakgomo had reportedly gone out for a run in Kempton Park before she disappeared. Her body was later found partially unclothed, sparking a major community search and increasing fears among women in the area.
Another victim was identified by her family as Dineo Evelyn Motapane after a woman’s body was discovered in Kwa-Thema.
Police said that body was found naked and in an advanced state of decomposition.
Several of the victims have reportedly been found naked or partially clothed, one of the similarities that has caused police to investigate whether the deaths may be linked.
But officials have been careful not to declare that a single killer is responsible.
South African police have also pushed back against unverified social-media claims identifying a supposed “Kempton Park serial killer,” warning that viral posts alleging a suspect had moved to another city were not substantiated.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has now ordered law enforcement agencies to make the cases a priority.
“These incidents are causing fear and uncertainty in our communities, and especially among women,” Ramaphosa said in an official statement.
He said police were working urgently to determine what happened and whether a single perpetrator or multiple people were responsible.
Ramaphosa also appealed directly to the public for help, asking anyone with information — or anyone missing a relative or friend — to contact investigators.
Read President Ramaphosa’s full statement on the killings
The discoveries have triggered growing concern across the East Rand, particularly among women who exercise outdoors or travel alone.
Police have advised women in affected areas to remain alert while jogging, walking or carrying out other activities alone.
The investigation comes against the backdrop of South Africa’s long-running crisis of violence against women.
Authorities and advocacy groups are now calling for additional safety measures, including better lighting, surveillance, police visibility and safer pedestrian and public transportation routes.
For now, investigators say the central question remains unanswered: whether the eight deaths are connected and, if they are, who is responsible.
Police have formed an expanded investigative team and are appealing for information that could help identify the remaining victims or lead detectives to a suspect.
Anyone with information has been urged to contact South African police rather than circulate unverified claims on social media.
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