South African police investigate links in nine femicide cases in Ekurhuleni

South African police investigate links in nine femicide cases in Ekurhuleni

Society

On 19 September, South African police said they had found the bodies of nine women in the Ekurhuleni municipality and were investigating whether the killings were linked. Reuters reported that memorial runs and protests were held across the country demanding action on gender-based violence. The deaths, first reported in July, have prompted a series of police warnings; CBS News reported that officers cautioned women against jogging after the seventh victim was found near Johannesburg.

President Cyril Ramaphosa pledged a thorough investigation, according to statements reported by the BBC. On 15 September, the BBC said a ninth victim was discovered in Dawn Park, Gauteng, and announced a reward for information. The same outlet later noted calls to classify femicide as a distinct crime.

Actors

South African Police Service Athlenda Mathe Firoz Cachalia Cyril Ramaphosa Amnesty International South Africa Commission for Gender Equality

Locations

Kwa-Thema, South Africa Johannesburg, South Africa Kempton Park, South Africa Olifantsontein, South Africa South Africa

Articles

September 19, 2026
2 total
Nine women found dead in Ekurhuleni as police investigate possible links
Nine women found dead in Ekurhuleni as police investigate possible links

Al Jazeera • 19 Sep 14:07

South African authorities have discovered the bodies of nine women in the Ekurhuleni municipality since July, prompting a police investigation into whether the killings are connected.

Credibility 73% Manip. 28% Center
South Africans hold memorial runs and protests after nine women killed near Johannesburg
South Africans hold memorial runs and protests after nine women killed near Johannesburg

Reuters • 19 Sep 10:49

Memorial runs and demonstrations across South Africa demanded action on gender-based violence following the discovery of nine female victims, most in their 20s and 30s, in the Ekurhuleni area.

Credibility 78% Manip. 27% Center
September 18, 2026
2 total
Series of Female Homicides in Ekurhuleni Raises Concern Over Gender-Based Violence in South Africa
Series of Female Homicides in Ekurhuleni Raises Concern Over Gender-Based Violence in South Africa

BBC • 18 Sep 23:04

Nine women have been found murdered in the Ekurhuleni area since July, prompting calls for stronger action against gender-based violence and a proposal to classify femicide as a distinct crime.

Credibility 78% Manip. 12% Center
South Africa investigates surge of femicides in Johannesburg suburb
South Africa investigates surge of femicides in Johannesburg suburb

NPR • 18 Sep 10:39

Nine women have been found murdered, most sexually assaulted, in the Kempton Park area of Johannesburg, prompting police warnings, protests and a pledge from President Cyril Ramaphosa to intensify the investigation.

Credibility 78% Manip. 32% Center
September 17, 2026
1 total
Ninth woman's body discovered in Gauteng amid ongoing investigation
Ninth woman's body discovered in Gauteng amid ongoing investigation

BBC • 17 Sep 09:51

Police have found a ninth female victim in Dawn Park, Gauteng, and say they are investigating possible links between the deaths while offering a reward for information.

Credibility 78% Manip. 12% Center
September 15, 2026
2 total
South African president pledges thorough investigation after seventh woman's body found near Johannesburg
South African president pledges thorough investigation after seventh woman's body found near Johannesburg

BBC • 15 Sep 18:01

President Cyril Ramaphosa said authorities will leave no stone unturned in probing the deaths of seven women discovered around Kempton Park, while police consider the possibility of a coordinated group behind the killings.

Credibility 78% Manip. 8% Center
South African police issue warning after seventh woman's body found near Johannesburg
South African police issue warning after seventh woman's body found near Johannesburg

CBS News • 15 Sep 15:41

A seventh female victim was discovered in the Kwa-Thema area east of Johannesburg, prompting police to warn women against jogging in the vicinity and to intensify investigations into possible links between the cases.

Credibility 78% Manip. 10% Center

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