Johannesburg Femicide: 10th Woman Found Dead Update

Johannesburg femicide has reached a grim new milestone after a tenth woman's body was found near the South African city on 26 September 2026. The body was discovered this morning in the Vusimusi district at a cemetery, according to a local police commissioner quoted by IOL. Forensic specialists are now examining the scene, deepening fears that a serial killer may be targeting women east of Johannesburg.

What is happening in Johannesburg?

Over the past two months, nine murdered women have been found in an area east of Johannesburg, in the Ekurhuleni municipality. Communities including Kempton Park, Pomona, Clayville, Olifantsfontein, Rhodesfield, KwaThema and Dawn Park have become the focus of a major police investigation. The latest discovery in Vusimusi brings the total to ten. The Johannesburg serial killer investigation is being led by a special detective team that is examining whether the cases are connected.

Police earlier spoke of worrying similarities between the deaths. Most victims were in their thirties, were found half-naked, and had visible bruises. Several showed signs of sexual violence, and the locations where the bodies were dumped are close together. The first body was found on 17 July, restrained with cable ties. One victim, 38-year-old runner Elizabeth 'Tsontso' Moselakgomo, vanished while jogging and was later found beaten beyond recognition.

Is a serial killer targeting women?

Authorities have not confirmed that a single serial killer is responsible, but the similarities are sufficiently concerning to have triggered a public warning and a multi-disciplinary investigation. Deputy Police Chief Lt Gen Tebello Mosikili said analysts are probing possible links, while noting that one killing may stem from a relationship dispute or love triangle. Three suspects were arrested in connection with the death of Jabulile Ntimba, whose half-naked, sheet-wrapped body was found near a road in Dawn Park.

Police have offered a reward of 400,000 rand (about $25,000) for information and imposed a temporary lockdown in parts of Kempton Park. Officers have urged the public to report suspicious disappearances and avoid spreading unverified social media posts.

South Africa's femicide crisis by the numbers

This is part of a broader gender-based violence crisis in South Africa that campaigners say has been ignored for too long. Key statistics show the scale of the problem:

• About 15 women are murdered every day in South Africa.
• More than 100 rapes are reported daily.
• Police recorded 9,782 rapes between January and March 2026 alone.
• South Africa ranks among the countries with the highest femicide rates worldwide.

President Cyril Ramaphosa declared gender-based violence a national crisis in 2025, but advocacy groups say little action has followed. After the latest discovery, Ramaphosa said: It is a shame for the men of South Africa that we continue to murder the women of our beautiful country. We are actually tarnishing the reputation of our country as men.

How women in the community are responding

Women in the affected areas say they no longer feel safe anywhere. They describe being afraid at the gym or even while walking a short distance to a shop. Runners have held memorial runs, and protesters in Kempton Park and Cape Town have demanded stronger action. Amnesty International's Shenilla Mohamed said women are tired of platitudes and want real accountability. Many residents point to South Africa crime statistics showing that the burden of safety continues to fall on women rather than on authorities.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many women have been found dead near Johannesburg?

Ten women have now been found dead in the area east of Johannesburg, including the body discovered in Vusimusi on 26 September 2026.

Is there a serial killer in Johannesburg?

Police have not confirmed a serial killer, but they are investigating whether the killings are connected and have described the similarities as worrying.

What is femicide?

Femicide is the intentional killing of women or girls because of their gender, often linked to intimate partner violence, sexual violence or harmful gender norms.

What has the South African government done about femicide?

President Ramaphosa declared gender-based violence a national crisis in 2025 and has vowed that no stone will be left unturned in the current investigation.