In brief
In just two months, 12 women’s bodies were found in Ekurhuleni, east of Johannesburg, raising alarms about violence against women. The victims, ranging from teens to middle‑aged mothers, were often discovered naked, bruised, or bound. Police have arrested suspects in a few isolated cases, but many investigations remain open and no clear link between the murders has emerged. A task team has been set up, and a reward has been offered to help solve the killings. The story highlights South Africa’s ongoing struggle with gender‑based violence and the urgent need for community and law‑enforcement actions.
Case 1: Busisiwe Mahlangu
Found naked with cable ties on July 15 in Kempton Park, the 37‑year‑old’s partner was arrested two days later, but no link to other victims yet.
Case 2: Itumeleng Kekana
She went missing in July and was discovered badly bruised on August 3 on a Kempton Park bridge. No arrests so far.
Case 3: Nomfesane Mjobo
Body found on August 26 in Kempton Park, partially clothed and bruised. Police still searching for leads.
Case 4: Unknown Woman
In early September, an unnamed 20‑s‑old was found in Olifantsfontein wearing only underwear, body still unidentified.
Case 5: Gracious Nkomo
Discovered September 10 near Johannesburg’s busiest airport, the 28‑year‑old was half‑clothed. No arrests.
Case 6: Elizabeth “Tsontso” Moselakgomo
A frequent runner, she was missing during a jog in mid‑August and her body was found September 12, bruised and partially clothed.
Case 7: Unidentified Woman #2
Found on September 14 in Olifantsfontein, victim remains unnamed as relatives not yet notified.
Case 8: Dineo Motapane
She vanished early September and was found with a burnt body in Springs, Sept 15. No charges yet.
Case 9: Jabulile Ntimba
Half‑naked, wrapped in a sheet, the victim was found on a road in Boksburg on September 17. Two women were charged with pre‑meditated murder.
Case 10: Ntombifuthi Nxumalo
Body discovered at a Tembisa cemetery on September 26; stoned, naked with head injuries. A suspect was arrested the next day.
Case 11: Unidentified Woman #3
Found in Springs on September 27 by security patrol; details scarce, no arrests.
Case 12: Boitumelo Gift Mashita
Shot on September 20 while heading to work in Tembisa; her estranged husband died in a car while Police suspect him of involvement. Another victim was found in a Soweto dam the following week, not yet linked.
Police teams are on high alert, offering a 400,000‑rand reward for clues.
YMMV – if you’ve got info, let your local police know. Stay safe.
