Archive · 21 Sep 2026
South Africa Questions Three People Over Nine Women’s Murders
Police in South Africa are investigating the deaths of nine women.
The bodies were found in areas near Johannesburg over about two months.
Investigators are questioning three people who may have information.
Police have not said that these people are definitely responsible.
They also have not confirmed that all nine deaths are connected.
Eight of the women have been identified.
The president ordered police to give the investigation special attention.
The case has increased concern about violence against women in South Africa.
South African police are questioning three people of interest over nine women’s deaths near Johannesburg.
Investigators have not confirmed that the killings are connected or that a serial killer is involved.
Eight of the nine women have been identified, while the ninth body was found in Dawn Park.
Police previously arrested one person over the killing of a woman whose body was found in July.
President Cyril Ramaphosa ordered authorities to prioritize the investigation amid broader concerns about violence against women.
- Who
- South African police are questioning three people of interest; President Cyril Ramaphosa ordered authorities to prioritize the investigation.
- What
- Police are investigating the deaths of nine women and whether the cases are connected.
- When
- The bodies were discovered over the past two months; one related body was found in July, according to police.
- Where
- The deaths under investigation occurred in Ekurhuleni, east of Johannesburg, including Dawn Park.
- Why
- Authorities are pursuing leads into the deaths and responding to heightened concern about violence against women.
- Women found dead
- Nine women’s bodies were discovered around Johannesburg.
- People questioned
- Three people of interest were called in for questioning.
- Identifications
- Eight of the nine women have been identified.
- Investigation status
- Police have not conclusively established that the cases are linked or involve a serial killer.
- Prior arrest
- Police previously arrested one person in connection with the killing of a woman whose body was found in July.
- National murder statistic
- Police statistics recorded 569 women murdered in South Africa between April and June this year.
- Government response
- President Cyril Ramaphosa ordered authorities to prioritize the investigation, and a multidisciplinary team was assigned to coordinate it.