On the morning of 17 September, officers from the South African Police Service (SAPS) uncovered the body of a woman in Villa Liza Extension 4, Boksburg, marking the ninth fatality linked to a disturbing series of murders that have plagued Ekurhuleni over the past few months. The discovery was confirmed by a post on the Benoni City Times Facebook page, which noted that both provincial and metropolitan police units were present at the scene. The victim’s identity has not yet been released, but the find adds urgency to an investigation already under intense public scrutiny.
Chronology of known victims
The string of killings began in early July, when 32‑year‑old Itumeleng Kekana was reported missing. Her remains were later located on the Great North Road in Pomona, Kempton Park, on 3 August. Just weeks later, 38‑year‑old runner Elizabeth “Tsontso” Moselakgomo was found in Rhodesfield, Kempton Park, on 12 September. The third identified victim, Dineo Evelyn Motapane, 38, was discovered on the side of a road in KwaThema, Springs, on 15 September; her family positively identified her at the Springs Mortuary the following day.
In addition to these three confirmed cases, police have recovered the bodies of five other women in the areas of Kempton Park, Olifantsfontein and Thembisa. Their identities remain unknown, highlighting the scale of the tragedy and the challenges investigators face in piecing together a coherent profile of the perpetrator.
Ekurhuleni, a sprawling metropolitan municipality that includes townships such as Boksburg, Kempton Park and Thembisa, has long struggled with high crime rates. According to the latest SAPS statistics, the province of Gauteng recorded a murder rate of 31 per 100,000 inhabitants in 2023, well above the global average. The recent spate of female victims has therefore struck a particularly nervous chord in a community already grappling with safety concerns.
Police response and investigative hurdles
Acting National Commissioner Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane addressed the media on 16 September, assuring residents that SAPS had stepped up patrols and visibility in the affected suburbs. She emphasized that investigators are working “around the clock” to trace any forensic leads, interview witnesses and map the movement patterns of the victims. However, the police have not released a photograph or an identikit of a suspect, and they have explicitly warned against speculation that could derail the inquiry.
In a recent statement, the department cautioned the public about circulating unverified images, noting that a photograph of a man wanted for a separate rape case in Dobsonville had been mistakenly linked to the Ekurhuleni killings on social media. Such misinformation can not only jeopardise the investigation but also fuel unnecessary panic among residents.
To incentivise information flow, the South African Police Service has announced a R400,000 reward, while the Democratic Alliance (DA) has pledged a R500,000 bounty for anyone who provides actionable intelligence leading to the prosecution of the perpetrator. The DA’s conditions require that informants submit their tips directly to SAPS and retain proof of submission to qualify for the payout.
Community reaction and safety measures
The discovery of a ninth body has reignited community outrage and fear. Local leaders in Boksburg and Kempton Park have called for more street lighting, neighborhood watch programmes and rapid response units. Residents have also taken to platforms such as WhatsApp and Facebook to share safety tips, though officials continue to urge caution and to avoid spreading rumors.
Neighbourhoods that have previously been targeted, like Olifantsfontein and Thembisa, are now seeing an influx of volunteer patrols coordinated through community‑based organisations. These groups are working closely with SAPS to report suspicious activity, especially after dark, and to provide logistical support for forensic teams when new crime scenes emerge.
While the police have increased their presence, experts stress that long‑term solutions will require addressing underlying socio‑economic factors that contribute to gender‑based violence. Initiatives aimed at empowering women, improving access to education and creating employment opportunities are seen as essential components of any sustainable crime‑prevention strategy.
How the public can assist
If you have any information—no matter how trivial it may seem—about the series of murders, you are urged to contact SAPS immediately. Calls can be made to the national emergency number 10111, or you can visit your nearest police station to file a written report. Remember, the reward offered by the DA is contingent upon formal submission of your tip and proof that you reported it.
In a broader context, South Africans are also being reminded to stay vigilant about the spread of false narratives online. For a recent example of how misinformation can derail investigations, see the coverage of the ninth body found in Ekurhuleni, which clarifies the facts amid a swirl of rumors.
Public attention is often divided among multiple high‑profile stories. For instance, some commentators have recently debated whether the media focus on Gayton McKenzie’s international events is detracting from pressing local safety concerns. Regardless of the broader discourse, the priority remains clear: anyone with credible information must come forward to help bring closure to the families affected and to halt further loss of life.
As the investigation unfolds, authorities promise continued updates and a commitment to transparency. Until the perpetrator is apprehended, the safety of Ekurhuleni’s residents will depend on collective vigilance, responsible reporting and unwavering cooperation with law‑enforcement agencies.
