Tenth woman found dead in South Africa’s string of killings

Nancy Masha shows her knife and peeper spray she carries for protection during her daily runs in Irene, south of Pretoria on September 21, 2026. Gender-based violence remains endemic in South Africa, despite years of government pledges to tackle the problem and declaration it as a national disaster. The discovery of nine bodies of women has triggered vigils, protests and solidarity runs across South Africa, drawing hundreds of people from Kempton Park to Cape Town to honour the victims and demand action. — AFP pic

First Published: Saturday, 26 Sep 2026 6:09 PM MYT

JOHANNESBURG, Sept 26 — South African police today found another body in Ekurhuleni, east of Johannesburg, bringing to 10 the number of women found dead in the municipality over the past two months.

The discovery adds to growing concern over violence against women in a country long plagued by violent crime, while police work to establish whether the killings are connected.

The body was found in the Tembisa township, police said, without providing further details.

“At this stage, we can only confirm the discovery of the body. Crime scene management and all the necessary role players are currently on the scene,” police spokeswoman Brigadier Brenda Muridili said.

Local television station eNCA reported that the semi-naked body was found at a cemetery.

The nine other victims were mostly in their 20s and 30s, with some found stripped of their clothes and showing signs of sexual assault.

The first victim, a 37-year-old woman, was found naked and bound with cable ties on July 15. A suspect was arrested two days later.

Two other suspects, women aged 31 and 38, were arrested in connection with the ninth victim and charged on Monday.

Police have said that case may have stemmed from a relationship-related matter.

Gender-based violence is endemic in South Africa, despite years of government pledges to tackle the problem and the declaration of gender-based violence as a national disaster.

South Africa, a nation of 62 million people, has one of the world’s highest murder rates, with more than 60 killings a day on average. — AFP