Police in South Africa have confirmed the discovery of twelve bodies of women in Ekurhuleni, an area east of Johannesburg, within a two-month period from July to September 2026. The findings have sparked widespread alarm in the region and raised concerns about a possible serial killer, though three arrests made in separate cases appear unrelated. The discovery comes against a backdrop of longstanding concerns about high levels of violence against women across South Africa.

The bodies were discovered over a two-month span beginning 15 July 2026 with Busisiwe Mahlangu, aged 37, found partially clothed and with bound hands in Kempton Park. Subsequent victims were found through mid-September, predominantly in the Kempton Park and Olifantsfontein areas, with most discovered partially or fully naked and bearing signs of violence such as bruises or head injuries. Of the twelve cases, police have made arrests in only three, which investigators do not believe are connected to the broader series of deaths. The discovery of Elizabeth Moselakgomo's body on 12 September—following a high-profile search for the 38-year-old jogger—significantly heightened public concern about the killings and prompted memorial events.