The Consulate-General of Nigeria in Johannesburg has issued a safety advisory to Nigerians living, working, studying or travelling through Ekurhuleni and surrounding areas following the deaths of eight women.

The advisory, dated September 16, said the deaths occurred over approximately two months and were being investigated by the South African Police Service, which has deployed a multidisciplinary team of specialised investigators.

The Consulate said investigators had identified concerning similarities in some of the cases and were examining whether the incidents were connected.

However, it stressed that South African authorities had not established that the deaths were caused by a single perpetrator or confirmed reports that a serial killer was responsible.

The warning particularly covers Nigerians in Kempton Park, Rhodesfield and other parts of Ekurhuleni, east of Johannesburg. The mission urged women and girls to exercise greater caution because of the recent incidents and the wider crime situation in Gauteng.

According to the advisory, South African police recorded 1,223 murders, 2,369 sexual offences and 39,094 contact crimes against persons in Gauteng between January and March 2026. The Consulate noted that the statistics did not establish any link between those crimes and the eight deaths.

Nigerians were advised to avoid walking, jogging or exercising alone in isolated, poorly lit or unfamiliar areas, including open fields and secluded pathways. They were also encouraged to travel in groups where possible, vary their routes and routines, and remain alert to their surroundings.

The mission further advised residents to inform family members or trusted persons of their destinations and expected return times, while avoiding prolonged use of headphones or mobile phones in areas with limited visibility.

It warned Nigerians against circulating unverified photographs, names, videos or allegations identifying suspected perpetrators, saying such actions could prejudice investigations and harm innocent people.

The Consulate said the advisory was intended as a precautionary measure and not to create panic or restrict Nigerians’ lawful movement.

It urged anyone with credible information about the deaths to report directly to South African authorities and said it would continue to monitor the investigation in coordination with Nigerian and South African officials.