Twelve women killed in South Africa’s Ekurhuleni as police probe links

Key points

• The 12th victim, 23-year-old Boitumelo Gift Mashita, was shot and killed in Tembisa on Monday; her estranged husband was later found dead in his vehicle.
• Police have made arrests in only three of the twelve cases, with four people currently in custody, including two women charged for the ninth killing.
• The 10th victim, Ntombifuthi Nxumalo, was found at a cemetery in Tembisa on September 26, with stones near her body suggesting she was stoned to death.
• A 400,000 rand reward has been offered for information leading to arrests, and a specialized task team is investigating the series of murders.
• The South African Human Rights Commission reported 569 women were killed between April and June 2026, averaging six per day.

Background

This series of killings has intensified a long-standing crisis of gender-based violence in South Africa. Previous coverage highlighted that the country has one of the highest femicide rates globally, with over 5,400 murders recorded in the first half of 2026. Rights groups have criticized the government’s response, arguing that safety advice often places the burden on women rather than addressing systemic failures in forensic facilities and police response times.

How outlets are covering it

BBC provides a detailed timeline of all twelve victims, noting that the 12th case involved a shooting and the subsequent death of the suspect. Al Jazeera emphasizes the community fear and the lack of conclusive evidence linking the cases, while highlighting the arrest of a suspect 400km away. NBC News focuses on the statistical similarities in victimology, such as victims being in their 20s or 30s and found in open areas, but stresses that police have not confirmed a serial killer. All outlets agree on the national outrage and the involvement of President Ramaphosa, but differ in the level of detail regarding the specific circumstances of each death.

Why it matters

The cluster of murders in Ekurhuleni has triggered a national security response and renewed scrutiny of South Africa’s ability to protect women. The case highlights the gap between high-profile arrests and the majority of unsolved cases, raising questions about the effectiveness of current policing strategies in addressing femicide.

What to watch

Police will continue to investigate the unsolved cases and determine if any links exist between the victims. The specialized task team will review forensic evidence, and the public is urged to provide information to claim the 400,000 rand reward. Authorities will also monitor the status of the four individuals currently in custody.