By our reporter 17.9.2026
South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa has declared a ‘national crisis’ as a serial killer seems to be on the loose in the country’s largest city Johannesburg.
Police authorities are on red alert following the death of eight women between July and September 2026. The women between 20-38 were found dead partly naked in the Kempston Park area near Johannesburg. President Ramaphosa said in a statement: “We will mobilize all possible means to bring the perpetrators to justice.”
According to reports by AP, the first body was discovered on July 17, bound with cable ties in a nude state. The police stated, “The similarities between the cases are concerning,” but added, “It has not been confirmed whether these are the work of a serial killer at this stage.”
The latest victim, Elizabeth Moselakgomo, 38 years old, went missing on September 9 after going out for her usual run. Her eight year-old daughter alerted reletives when she did not return at the expected time. Moselakgomo was found dead on September 12.
Acting Police Minister Firoz Kachalia said, “It is unbearable to even think that someone went out for a run and never returned home,” adding, “Women in our society, our mothers, sisters, daughters, and children are living in an unsafe society.”
The South African police, who have formed a dedicated investigation team, announced that they will concentrate police forces in the Kempston Park area, where many victims were found, and seal off the region for several weeks. A reward of 400,000 rand has been offered for information that could give the police a lead in their search for the killer.
South Africans protesting against violence on women.