Serial killer fears grow as seventh woman found dead near Johannesburg

Seven women have been found dead in the same area of South Africa, in the past two months, prompting fears a serial killer may be at large.

Police have confirmed that a seventh body was discovered east of Johannesburg on Tuesday (15 September).

The woman, who has not been identified, was discovered in the Kwa-Thema area, about 21 miles from Kempton Park.

Police said the victim was naked and in an advanced stage of decomposition.

The South African Police Services (SAPS) has issued a warning to women to be cautious when out and about in the area and to avoid walking or jogging ‘particularly in isolated areas’.

South African authorities have suggested the cases may be linked but have not confirmed whether they are the work of the same killer.

Police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe said: “While investigations are still under way and SAPS has not, at this stage, confirmed that the deaths are linked to a serial killer, the similarities are sufficiently concerning for the police to issue a public warning and intensify investigations.”

Mathe added: "[It] could be that it's a copycat crime that is happening right here but so far, no linkages as yet.”

President Cyril Ramaphosa said he had directed police authorities to prioritise the ongoing murder investigations.

He said: “I have directed that these cases be prioritised and that no stone be left unturned in bringing those responsible to justice.

“Our law enforcement agencies are undertaking this work in partnership with citizens, on whom we depend for any information that may help end these attacks on women.”

The first victim was found on 15 July, with a second discovered on 24 August and a third on 10 September, CTV News reports.

The most recent victim comes just one day after the body of another woman was found in Olifantsontein.

And on Saturday, the body of a 38-year-old woman was found after she went missing in Kempton Park last week while jogging.

A community and police search for Elizabeth ‘Tsontso’ Moselakgomo ended when her half-naked body was found.

The BBC reports that only two of the seven women have been identified.

The public warning has highlighted long-standing concerns over violent crime in South Africa, particularly against women and children.

The country recorded 5,427 murders between April and July – an average of 45 a day – according to the latest crime statistics.

Femicide rates in South Africa are among the highest in the world, according to the UN’s agency for gender equality.

A South African study in 2022 found that more than 35 percent of South African adult women had experienced physical or sexual violence at some point.

The Commission for Gender Equality has called for urgent preventive action, including a safety audit of the affected areas involving police, municipal officials, transport authorities and community safety structures.

It said the audit should assess lighting, surveillance, pedestrian and public transport routes, neglected spaces, police visibility and access to emergency assistance.

“Women should not have to be killed before an area receives heightened attention,” commission spokesperson Javu Baloyi said.