South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has ordered law enforcement Agencies to prioritise investigations into the deaths of seven women in and around Kempton Park, north-east of Johannesburg, following the discovery of another body on Tuesday, September 15, 2026.
The women’s bodies have been discovered over the past two months, with most reportedly found either partially or fully naked. Police said they had not established links between the cases and were not, at this stage, treating them as the work of a serial killer. Investigators are also examining whether multiple perpetrators or copycat crimes could be involved.
One person has been arrested in connection with the first body, discovered in mid-July 2026, and remains in police custody. So far, only two of the seven women have been identified.
One victim was 38-year-old Elizabeth Moselakgomo, whose body was discovered on Saturday, September 12, three days after she disappeared while on her routine run on Wednesday, September 9. Her relatives formally identified her on Monday, September 14.
Police said another woman, believed to be in her late 20s, whose body was discovered in a river near a shopping centre on September 7, has now been included in the investigation. Ramaphosa said the deaths were creating fear and uncertainty, particularly among women, and pledged that “no stone will be left unturned” in identifying those responsible.
Police have advised women around Kempton Park to avoid walking or running alone, particularly in isolated areas, as investigations continue.