CCN

By Crime Connect Investigations Desk
23 September 2026 | 19:05

EKURHULENI, Gauteng — Police say forensic evidence is helping investigators identify people of interest in the deaths of nine women whose bodies have been discovered across parts of Ekurhuleni since July.

The killings have caused widespread concern, particularly among women living in Kempton Park, Olifantsfontein, Tembisa, KwaThema and surrounding areas.

But police are warning against drawing conclusions before the investigations are completed.

Nine women

Government has confirmed nine victims in the Ekurhuleni investigation.

The victims were found in different locations between July and September.

They include women found in Kempton Park, Olifantsfontein, Clayville, KwaThema and Dawn Park.

The government has listed the victims and appealed to families with missing female relatives to contact police. (South African Government⁠)

The victims include:

• Busisiwe Mahlangu;
• Itumeleng Kekana;
• Nomfesane Mjobo;
• an unidentified woman found near Clayville;
• Gracious Nkomo;
• Elizabeth “Tsontso” Moselakgomo;
• an unidentified woman found in Olifantsfontein;
• Dineo Motapane; and
• Jabulile Ntimba.

Police say there is progress

Acting Deputy National Commissioner for Crime Detection Hilda Senthumule told Parliament’s Police Portfolio Committee that investigators had identified persons of interest.

She said forensic investigations were helping investigators establish possible links.

“The forensic investigations are actually playing a role in terms of linking some of our persons of interest to the bodies,” Senthumule said. (EWN⁠)

That is one of the strongest indications yet that investigators are developing leads.

Is there a serial killer?

This remains one of the biggest questions surrounding the investigation.

Gauteng police commissioner Lieutenant-General Tommy Mthombeni said police had not established that a serial killer was responsible.

“As of now, we could not confirm whether there is a serial killer, though it cannot be ruled out,” he said. (EWN⁠)

That distinction is important.

The fact that several women have died in the same broader geographic area does not automatically prove that the killings were committed by one person.

Investigators must establish whether there are common forensic, geographical, behavioural or other links between the cases.

Police bring in Home Affairs

Police have also worked with the Department of Home Affairs to identify unidentified victims.

Officials have used biometric information, including fingerprints, to assist the investigation.

The move is important because identifying victims can help investigators establish their movements, relationships and possible connections to suspects.

Police have also urged families not to wait before reporting someone missing.

Families still waiting for answers

The killings have left families searching for answers while communities remain anxious.

The government has established a multidisciplinary investigation and says it has elevated the response.

Members of the public with information are being urged to contact investigators rather than spreading unverified claims on social media. (South African Government⁠)

Two separate arrests

The investigation has also resulted in arrests in individual cases.

Two women appeared in the Boksburg Magistrates’ Court in connection with the killing of Jabulile Ntimba.

A third person who had initially been arrested was released without being charged.

The accused women face murder-related charges and remain subject to the court process.

Police have not established that these accused are responsible for the other deaths.

The fear in Ekurhuleni

The investigation has changed the way many residents move through their communities.

Women have told media outlets that they are afraid.

Civil society groups have also criticised responses that place the responsibility for safety primarily on women.

The debate now extends beyond the individual investigations to questions about policing, prevention and the broader fight against gender-based violence.

What happens next?

Investigators will continue examining forensic evidence and questioning persons of interest.

Police must still establish whether the cases are connected.

Until that happens, the serial-killer theory remains unconfirmed.

Crime Connect will continue following the investigation while avoiding speculation about the identities of suspects or the links between cases until authorities establish them.