Ninth Woman's Body Found Near Johannesburg, Serial Killer Fears Grow

South African police found a ninth woman's body near Johannesburg on Thursday, September 17, in Dawn Park.

The body of a woman believed to be about 30 years old was discovered partially clothed and with multiple stab wounds in an open space on Lama Street in the Villa Liza area of Dawn Park, Boksburg. This brings the toll to nine women found dead in Ekurhuleni since July. The latest victim was found half-naked and wrapped in a sheet on the side of a road.

Most bodies were discovered near rivers or roads, with many showing signs of sexual assault. The victims are mostly aged in their 20s or 30s. Police said the woman's body found on Thursday appeared to have been dumped there and the crime could have happened somewhere else. Fears of a serial killer are growing in the area.

President Cyril Ramaphosa appealed to police to prioritize investigations and vowed no stone will be left unturned. Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia announced a scale-up of Operation Shanela across the area, including a greater visible police presence and roadblocks. A "Picket for Justice," backed by FEDUSA, Contralesa, SANCO, and dozens of other organizations, is taking place at Kempton Park police station today from 8 am.

This picket is part of a full day of action, including a march to Church Square and a meeting with runners at the Union Buildings. Gracious Nkomo, 28, was positively identified by her family on Thursday evening, September 17, 2026. Her body was found partially clothed and in a state of decomposition along the R21 in Kempton Park on September 10, 2026.

Nkomo is among four of nine murdered women identified so far. The Human Rights Commission states 569 women were killed between April and June 2026 and announced a national inquiry into gender-based violence.