---
title: "12 Women Found Dead in Johannesburg Area Since July; Police Investigate Possible Links"
english_title: "Johannesburg Police Probe Possible Link in 12 Women’s Deaths Since July"
publisher: "Truevision English News"
canonical_url: "https://english.truevisionnews.com/news/385308/johannesburg-police-probe-womens-deaths"
published_at: "2026-10-03T11:29:00+05:30"
category: "Big Story"
language: "en"
image: "https://cf.zdn.im/img/truevisionnews.com/0/image-uploads/6ac09a71b954e_johannesburg-police-probe-womens-deaths.jpg"
keywords: ["JohannesburgPolice", "SouthAfricaCrime", "GenderBasedViolence", "WomenSafety", "Ekurhuleni"]
---

# 12 Women Found Dead in Johannesburg Area Since July; Police Investigate Possible Links

> **Lead Summary:**  Twelve women have been found dead in and around Ekurhuleni in Johannesburg, South Africa, since July, prompting police to investigate whether some of the killings could be linked. Most of the bodies were found partially clothed, but authorities have not established whether one or several perpetrators were involved.

## Article Content

 Twelve women have been found dead in and around Ekurhuleni in Johannesburg, South Africa, since July, prompting police to investigate whether some of the killings could be linked. Most of the bodies were found partially clothed, but authorities have not established whether one or several perpetrators were involved.

The first victim, a 38-year-old woman, disappeared after going for a walk on July 12. Her body was found near Kempton Park on July 15. Her partner was arrested two days later but was subsequently found to be innocent.

A 32-year-old woman was found partially clothed at the same location on Aug. 3, followed by a 26-year-old woman on Aug. 26. Police continued their investigation but found no breakthrough.

On Sept. 7, the body of a woman believed to be under 30 was found floating in a river at Olifantsfontein. She was wearing only underwear. The fifth body was discovered beside a road near Kempton Park leading to South Africa's busiest airport.

A sixth woman, aged 38, was found near the park on Sept. 12 after disappearing shortly after leaving home. Another body was discovered at Moselakgomo on Sept. 14. The following day, the partially burned body of a 38-year-old woman was found beside a road in Springs. Police said there were indications that she had been severely assaulted.

On Sept. 24, the body of a woman believed to be about 30 was found wrapped in a sheet near Dawn Park. Two days later, a naked woman's body with serious head injuries was discovered in a cemetery in Tembisa. Stones were also recovered nearby. An unidentified 11th woman was later found in an open area in Ekurhuleni.

Last Monday, a 23-year-old woman was found shot dead in Tembisa. Police suspect she was shot while travelling to work before her belongings were stolen. Her estranged husband, whom police suspected in the killing, was later found dead inside a car in Midrand. Police have not established a connection between that case and the earlier deaths.

Investigators have noted similarities among the first 11 cases, including injuries and partially clothed bodies. Police also believe most of the women had been sexually assaulted. However, authorities have not confirmed that the killings are connected.

President Cyril Ramaphosa said four people had been arrested in connection with the cases. Police have collected forensic evidence in some investigations, including DNA, blood samples, clothing, mobile phones and phone records.

Ramaphosa also announced measures aimed at addressing violence against women. Local authorities have been instructed to identify high-risk areas and complete women's safety audits within 60 days. Police and the National Prosecuting Authority were also ordered to review backlogged cases involving murder, attempted murder, rape and other gender-based violence within 90 days.

Official crime figures show 5,427 homicides were reported in South Africa between April and July, while the country records an average of about 60 killings a day. UN Women data also places South Africa among countries with high levels of killings of women. A 2022 South African study found that more than 35% of women had experienced some form of physical or sexual violence.

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- [Original Story Source](https://english.truevisionnews.com/news/385308/johannesburg-police-probe-womens-deaths)