S’Africa: Ninth Woman Found Dead, Nigeria Issues Safety Alert

South African police have recovered the body of a ninth woman east of Johannesburg, prompting renewed concern over a series of deaths in the Ekurhuleni municipality.

The latest body was discovered on Thursday in Dawn Park, according to police, after several women had been found dead in different parts of the area over the past two months.

Police have imposed a lockdown in parts of Kempton Park and mounted roadblocks following the discovery of three partially naked bodies earlier this week.

Deputy Police Chief Tebello Mosikili said authorities could not continue recovering bodies without establishing who was responsible. Police have offered a 400,000 rand reward for information leading to the arrest of the killer or killers, while the Democratic Alliance announced an additional reward.

However, investigators have not established that all the deaths were committed by one person. Police are examining whether the latest case is connected to the earlier incidents or could involve a copycat.

The Nigerian Consulate-General in Johannesburg had already issued a safety advisory following the deaths of eight women in and around Ekurhuleni over approximately two months.

The advisory urged Nigerians, particularly women and girls living, working, studying, exercising, socialising or travelling through Kempton Park, Rhodesfield and surrounding areas, to exercise heightened vigilance and remain cautious.

The consulate said a multidisciplinary investigation team comprising specialised law-enforcement resources had been deployed by South African authorities. Investigators had identified concerning similarities in some of the cases and were examining whether the incidents were connected.

The Nigerian mission, however, stressed that the South African Police Service had not confirmed the involvement of a serial killer or established that the deaths were linked.

It advised Nigerians to avoid walking, jogging or exercising alone in isolated, poorly lit, deserted or unfamiliar areas. Residents were urged to remain alert and avoid secluded locations.

South African authorities have urged anyone with information about the deaths to assist investigators.

The latest discovery comes amid broader concerns over violent crime and gender-based violence in Gauteng. Authorities have pledged to intensify investigations and determine whether there is a connection between the cases.

Police said the investigation would continue as forensic examinations and inquiries proceed further.