CCN

29 September 2026 | 19:30

EKURHULENI, GAUTENG — The investigation into the deaths of women across Ekurhuleni has entered another critical phase after the number of women reported killed or found dead in the area rose to 12.

The latest case involved 23-year-old Boitumelo Gift Mashita, who was shot dead in Tembisa on Monday morning while reportedly travelling to work.

Her death was followed by another development that has added to the mystery surrounding the case.

Mashita’s estranged husband, who police had identified as a person of interest, was later found dead inside his vehicle in Midrand.

Police said they believed he may have ingested an unknown substance.

At this stage, investigators have said there was no indication of foul play in his death.

A post-mortem examination is expected to determine the exact cause.

Mashita shot on her way to work

Mashita was reportedly travelling to work when she was attacked in Temong, Mapungubwe Street, Tembisa.

Police opened a murder investigation.

Her belongings were reportedly taken, prompting investigators to examine the possibility of robbery.

The circumstances of the shooting have also prompted questions about whether the attacker knew Mashita.

Family members had raised concerns about her estranged husband before police identified him as a person of interest.

Those concerns remain allegations and have not been established in court.

Estranged husband found dead

As investigators searched for Mashita’s estranged husband, police were informed that his vehicle had been located in the Midrand policing area.

His body was found inside.

Gauteng police spokesperson Brigadier Brenda Muridili said it was believed that he may have ingested an unknown substance.

No foul play was suspected at that stage.

A post-mortem will determine the cause of death.

This means that the man’s death cannot currently be described as a confirmed suicide.

The 12 cases

Mashita’s killing has brought renewed attention to a group of cases involving women whose bodies have been discovered in different parts of Ekurhuleni and surrounding areas.

The cases have generated fear among residents and intense public concern.

Bodies have been found in locations including open fields, roadsides, rivers, a cemetery and other secluded areas.

Some victims had been reported missing before their bodies were discovered.

Investigators have identified similarities in some of the cases.

But there are also major differences.

Some women appear to have died from different causes.

In some cases, police have arrested people linked to individual murders.

Those differences have made it difficult to conclude that one person or one group is responsible for every death.

Police warn against premature conclusions

The discovery of multiple bodies in the same broad geographical area has understandably led to speculation about a possible serial offender.

However, investigators have not publicly confirmed that all the cases are connected.

Some cases already have suspects or relationship-related leads.

The latest case involving Mashita is not being treated as part of the same task team investigation into the earlier deaths.

That distinction is important.

A series of murders occurring in the same area does not automatically mean that they were committed by the same person.

Investigators must establish the links through forensic evidence, telecommunications evidence, witness accounts, vehicle information and other investigative material.

A new arrest in another case

The broader investigation has also produced arrests.

Police arrested a 36-year-old man in connection with the murder of Ntombifuthi Nxumalo.

Investigators reportedly traced him to Limpopo after he allegedly fled the area.

His arrest represents one of the developments that could help investigators determine whether some of the killings have separate perpetrators.

The accused’s case remains before the courts.

Why the cases have caused national concern

The deaths have come at a time when South Africa is already facing intense public concern over gender-based violence and femicide.

The concentration of cases in Ekurhuleni has increased pressure on government and law enforcement.

The City of Ekurhuleni has appealed to residents to provide information that could help investigators.

Police have also established investigative structures to examine the cases.

A reward has previously been offered for information that could assist investigators.

What We Know

• The number of women killed or found dead in Ekurhuleni has risen to 12.
• Boitumelo Gift Mashita was shot dead in Tembisa on Monday morning.
• She was reportedly travelling to work.
• Her belongings were allegedly taken.
• Her estranged husband was identified as a person of interest.
• He was later found dead inside his vehicle in Midrand.
• Police said no foul play was suspected in his death at that stage.
• A post-mortem will establish his cause of death.
• Police have not established that all the women’s deaths are connected.
• At least one other suspect has been arrested in connection with a separate Ekurhuleni woman’s murder.

The Big Question

Are investigators dealing with one connected pattern of killings, several separate perpetrators, or a combination of both?

At this stage, the evidence does not provide a definitive answer.

The similarities between some cases have justified further investigation, but differences between other cases mean investigators must avoid drawing conclusions before forensic and criminal evidence is complete.

What Happens Next

Police will continue examining the individual murder cases while the specialist investigation into the broader pattern continues.

The post-mortem examination of Mashita’s estranged husband is expected to clarify the circumstances of his death.

Investigators will also continue gathering evidence in Mashita’s murder.

Further arrests could help establish whether there are links between individual cases.

Featured image caption

Police continue investigating the deaths of women across Ekurhuleni after the number of reported cases rose to 12.

Article information

Category: Crime / GBVF
Location: Ekurhuleni, Gauteng
Key issue: Multiple women’s deaths
Latest development: 23-year-old Boitumelo Gift Mashita killed in Tembisa; person of interest later found dead
Investigation status: Ongoing

Legal note

Information concerning suspects and persons of interest is reported according to police statements and available court or investigative information. Being identified as a person of interest or being arrested does not establish guilt. The deaths are being investigated separately unless police establish a connection.