South African Police Expand Investigation After Seventh Woman's Body Found in Ekurhuleni

The South African Police Service has expanded its investigation into a series of women's deaths in the Ekurhuleni area after a seventh body was discovered. On Tuesday, 15 September 2026, the body of a woman in her thirties was found in a decomposed state behind Club 69 in KwaThema, Springs. This discovery follows the finding of five other bodies in the Kempton Park area since July, as well as a woman's body found in a river in Clayville on 7 September. Preliminary findings indicate the woman found in KwaThema died from strangulation, and police confirmed that the victims found in Kempton Park had all been sexually assaulted.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has directed law enforcement to prioritize these cases, stating that no stone will be left unturned in bringing the responsible parties to justice. A multidisciplinary team including forensic specialists, K9 units, and the Investigative Psychology Unit has been deployed to determine if the deaths are linked. While some reports indicate the cases appear linked, police officials have cautioned that it is too early to confirm if a single serial killer or multiple perpetrators are involved.

Public reaction has been marked by fear and demands for increased security. Some residents and political figures have criticized the police response as reactionary, calling for more visible patrols rather than advising women to take personal precautions. In response, the SAPS has stated it has increased its operational presence in the affected areas. Outlets with a center-left lean focused heavily on the emotional distress of the community and the specific demands for government accountability. In contrast, outlets with a center-right lean emphasized the official police warnings and the high-level directives from the presidency.