Archive · 15 Sep 2026
South African Police Probe Seven Women’s Deaths, Ramaphosa Vows Action
Police in South Africa are investigating the deaths of seven women.
Their bodies were found near Johannesburg over about two months.
Many of the women were in their 20s or 30s.
Some bodies were found without clothes or with signs of sexual violence.
One victim had disappeared after leaving home for an afternoon run.
Police do not yet know whether one person or several people committed the killings.
They are also considering whether copycat criminals may be involved.
President Cyril Ramaphosa promised that investigators would pursue every lead.
The killings have caused fear and anger because violence against women is a serious problem in South Africa.
Police are investigating the deaths of seven women found near Johannesburg over two months.
The bodies were discovered in and around Ekurhuleni, east of Johannesburg.
Some victims were naked or partially clothed, and some showed signs of sexual violence.
Police are examining whether one perpetrator, multiple suspects, or copycat criminals were involved.
President Cyril Ramaphosa pledged that no stone would be left unturned, but investigators have not established a motive.
- Who
- South African police are investigating the deaths of seven women, while President Cyril Ramaphosa has pledged action.
- What
- Seven women were killed, and police are investigating whether the deaths are connected.
- When
- The bodies were found over the two months before September 15; police reported the investigation on Tuesday.
- Where
- The bodies were found in and around Ekurhuleni, east of Johannesburg, South Africa.
- Why
- The motive has not been established; the killings have prompted alarm amid persistent violence against women and broader concerns about violent crime.
- Victims
- Seven women, mostly aged in their 20s or 30s
- Investigation area
- Ekurhuleni and areas near Johannesburg
- Discovery period
- Over the past two months before September 15
- Evidence reported
- Some bodies were naked or partially clothed, with signs of sexual violence in some cases
- Suspect theories
- Police are examining a single perpetrator, multiple suspects, or copycat criminals
- Motive
- Not yet established
- Presidential response
- Cyril Ramaphosa said no stone would be left unturned