Bodies of nine women have been discovered in a Johannesburg neighborhood over the past two months, raising concerns about violence against women in South Africa. The latest victim was found on Thursday morning in Dawn Park, a residential area of Boksburg, east of Johannesburg. The woman, believed to be in her thirties, was found half-naked and wrapped in a sheet. Police are investigating the deaths but have not established a connection between the cases.
South African Police Service spokesperson Athlenda Mathe stated on September 15 that investigators are examining whether one perpetrator or multiple individuals may be responsible for the murders. Mathe also mentioned the possibility of copycat crimes but emphasized that no links have been found so far. "This is not an investigation that you can rush, because it is quite complex," she said.
Princess Eurika Mogane, a commissioner at South Africa’s Commission for Gender Equality, remarked that the killings reflect a broader crisis facing women in the country. "This is a war. It feels like individuals are being hunted," Mogane said, emphasizing the need for protection for women.
The National Shelter Movement of South Africa (NSMSA) reported an increase in women arriving at shelters with severe experiences of abuse, including death threats and stalking. The organization stated, "These are not isolated incidents. They are indicators of a broader crisis in which violence against women has become deeply normalized in many communities."
Following the killings, police advised women to avoid walking or running alone and to stay away from isolated areas, which has drawn criticism. Mogane noted that many women feel this advice shifts the responsibility onto them rather than addressing the actions of perpetrators.
The NSMSA indicated that women are changing their routes and restricting their movements to stay safe. They stated, "Safety messaging should not imply that women can prevent violence simply by making different choices."
Among the deceased was Elizabeth Moselakgomo, a 38-year-old mother who disappeared after going for a run on September 9. Her daughter raised the alarm when she did not return, and Moselakgomo was found dead three days later.
Nokukhanya Khanyile-Lenake, a specialist pediatrician, highlighted that women take numerous precautions to protect themselves from gender-based violence. She expressed concern that despite these efforts, the risk remains high.
The killings occurred less than a year after South Africa classified gender-based violence and femicide as a national disaster in November 2025. The country’s femicide rate is reported to be five times the global average. President Cyril Ramaphosa has promised that perpetrators will face justice, and authorities have increased police patrols in high-risk areas.
However, Mogane questioned the effectiveness of these measures since the national disaster declaration, pointing out the need for improved forensic facilities and shelters for survivors. The NSMSA reported ongoing challenges such as inadequate funding for shelters, rising demand, and delays in police responses.
The organization emphasized that leaving an abusive relationship can be particularly dangerous, as survivors often require multiple forms of support, including police protection and emergency accommodation. They stated, "For many women, the fundamental question remains unchanged: ‘If I leave today, can I survive financially, find safe accommodation, and remain protected from my abuser?’"
Al Jazeera reached out to the South African government for information on measures taken since the national disaster classification and for responses to criticisms regarding its handling of violence against women but had not received a reply by the time of publication.