Twelve women's bodies discovered in Ekurhuleni, South Africa since July

The discovery of 12 bodies in an area east of Johannesburg has raised concerns in South Africa. Police confirmed the discovery of three more women's bodies in Ekurhuleni between Saturday and Monday morning, bringing the total to 12 in two months. Arrests have been made in three cases, which do not appear to be related, but police have not ruled out the possibility of a serial killer. The bodies were found in various locations, primarily in Kempton Park, with the first identified victim being Busisiwe Mahlangu, found on July 15, 2026. Her body was discovered naked with hands bound. Police arrested a suspect, believed to be her partner, shortly after her murder. Subsequent victims included Itumeleng Kekana, found on August 3, and Nomfesane Mjobo, discovered on August 26, both showing signs of violence. The body of an unidentified woman in her 20s was found on September 7, floating in a river. Gracious Nkomo, found on September 10, and Elizabeth Moselakgomo, whose body was discovered on September 12, also raised alarms about the killings. Police have confirmed additional bodies found on September 14 and September 15, including Dineo Motapane, whose body was found battered and partly burned. Jabulile Ntimba, found on September 17, was linked to a possible love triangle, leading to arrests. The 10th body, Ntombifuthi Nxumalo, was discovered on September 26 with serious head injuries. A 36-year-old man was arrested in connection with her death. Another unidentified woman was found in Springs, and Boitumelo Gift Mashita was shot and killed on September 28. A body found on September 20 in Soweto is also under investigation. President Cyril Ramaphosa described the killings as a "stain on our national conscience." South Africa has a high homicide rate, with 5,427 murders reported between April and June this year. The South African Human Rights Commission reported that 569 women were killed in the same period, averaging six women per day. Police have established a task force to investigate the murders and are offering a reward of 400,000 rand ($24,000) for information leading to arrests.