South African police confirmed the discovery of 12 women’s bodies in Ekurhuleni, an area east of Johannesburg, in just two months – the biggest concentration of such killings in the country’s history.
The first victim, 37‑year‑old Busisiwe Mahlangu, was found on 15 July bound with cable ties; a suspect, believed to be her partner, was arrested but is not linked to the other cases.
Subsequent victims included 32‑year‑old mother Itumeleng Kekana (found 3 August on a Kempton Park bridge), 23‑ and 38‑year‑old women whose bodies were found naked, partially clothed or badly bruised. A few arrests were made, but most cases remain unsolved and police have warned that a serial killer could be responsible.
The killings have sparked widespread alarm and prompted the South African police to establish a specialised task team, offer a 400 000 rand reward for information, and invite the public to come forward. President Cyril Ramaphosa called the murders a “stain on our national conscience.” The incident comes against the backdrop of South Africa’s high homicide rate, including 569 women killed between April and June this year.
