Tenth Female Body Found in Ekurhuleni Deepens South Africa’s Femicide Crisis
South African police confirmed the discovery of a tenth woman’s body in Thembisa, Ekurhuleni, on September 26, 2026. The victim, found near a cemetery, appears to have been stoned to death. This latest finding adds to a series of ten female deaths in the region since mid-July, sparking national outrage and fears of a serial killer, though authorities have not yet linked all cases.
Key points
- The tenth body was discovered in Thembisa, Ekurhuleni, east of Johannesburg, on Saturday morning.
- Provincial police chief Tommy Mthombeni stated the victim appeared to have been stoned to death, pending a post-mortem examination.
- Police have not confirmed the age or clothing status of the tenth victim, unlike the previous nine, who were mostly in their 20s or 30s and often found nude.
- Two women were charged last week for the ninth killing, which police believe was an isolated relationship-related incident, not part of the broader series.
- President Cyril Ramaphosa condemned the killings as a 'shame on the men of South Africa' during a campaign stop for local elections.
Background
Since mid-July, ten women’s bodies have been found in the Ekurhuleni municipality, with clusters of discoveries in Kempton Park, Olifantsfontein, and other areas. The first body, found in mid-July, was restrained with cable ties, leading to the arrest of her boyfriend, though no charges were filed. The discovery of six bodies within ten days in September intensified fears of a serial killer. South Africa has one of the world’s highest femicide rates, with an average of 15 women killed daily, and the government declared gender-based violence a national disaster less than a year ago.
How outlets are covering it
Al Jazeera and CBS News emphasize the lack of conclusive evidence linking the ten deaths, noting that while some cases share similarities, police have not confirmed a single perpetrator. BBC highlights the emotional impact on the community, citing a friend of the tenth victim who identified her through clothing. All three outlets agree that the ninth killing was likely isolated, but they differ in emphasis: Al Jazeera focuses on the political response from President Ramaphosa, while CBS and BBC stress the statistical context of South Africa’s high homicide rates and the involvement of the Investigative Psychology Unit.
Why it matters
The discovery of the tenth body intensifies public fear and demands for stronger protections against gender-based violence in South Africa. It highlights the ongoing challenges in addressing femicide, a crisis that has prompted national protests and calls for systemic reforms. The case also underscores the difficulty in linking multiple violent crimes without conclusive forensic evidence, complicating law enforcement efforts.
What to watch
Police will conduct a post-mortem examination to determine the cause of death for the tenth victim. Investigators will continue to analyze similarities across the ten cases to determine if they are linked. Authorities are expected to provide more details on the victim’s identity and circumstances in the coming days, while the public awaits further developments in the investigation.
- South African police discover body of 10th woman near Johannesburg Al Jazeera
- Tenth woman's body found in South Africa suburb as police probe killings BBC
- Fears of possible serial killer rise in South Africa after body of 10th woman found CBS News
- Body of 10th woman found in South Africa as killings investigation continues The Seattle Times
- South African police arrest three people over woman's death after spate of killings Reuters
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