South Africa has discovered the ninth young woman’s body, found semi-naked and bearing wounds from an assault. Authorities have not yet confirmed whether this is the work of a serial killer but have set a reward for information leading to an arrest.
On Thursday, 17 Sep 2026 GMT+7, South African police found the ninth female body in Gauteng province, east of Johannesburg, sparking concerns this may be a serial murder case. Officials have warned women to be more cautious and have offered a reward to anyone providing useful information to the authorities.
Over the past two months, South Africa has found semi-naked, assaulted female bodies across various areas of Gauteng province. The discoveries increased during the search for Elizabeth “Sonzo” Moselakgomo, a 38-year-old female runner who went missing the previous week and was later found to be one of the nine victims.
The latest victim, a woman in her 30s, was found nude from the waist down with signs of assault and stab wounds, wrapped in bedsheets and left by the roadside in the Dawn Park area.
Police have established a special investigative team working alongside forensic experts and intelligence, but have not confirmed whether all cases are connected or the work of a single serial killer. It is possible the incidents are unrelated or involve multiple perpetrators.
So far, one suspect has been arrested since the first body was found in July, but no links to the other bodies have been established. Authorities are intensifying efforts to track down additional suspects.
The government has set a reward of 400,000 rand (approximately 820,000 baht) for information that leads to the arrest of the culprit in this case.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa confirmed he will expedite efforts to apprehend and punish the offender as the situation has caused significant fear among the local population.
Previously, the South African Police Service issued warnings urging women in the area to be extra cautious, advising against traveling alone or taking isolated routes, to share travel locations with trusted individuals, and to avoid wearing loud headphones while walking in public.
These events reflect a crisis of gender-based violence (GBV) in South Africa. Data from UN Women indicates the female homicide rate is five times the global average, leading the government to declare violence against women a “national disaster” last year.
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Source:bbc