'In This Country We Are Prey': Serial Killer Fears Grow as Eighth Woman's Body Is Found in South Africa

Another woman's body was found in South Africa's Ekurhuleni municipality, bringing the number of women whose bodies have been discovered there to eight in less than two months. The discoveries have prompted police to intensify their investigation, with a R400,000 (£17,000) reward offered for information that could lead to arrests.

The bodies have been discovered in Kempton Park, Olifantsfontein, Clayville, near Tembisa and KwaThema.

Only two of the victims have so far been identified: Elizabeth 'Tsontso' Moselakgomo, 38, and 32-year-old Itumeleng Kekana. Moselakgomo's friend, Sakane Mokoena, posted on Instagram shortly after confirming her death with the caption, 'In this country we are prey.'

Police Investigate Possible Links

The killings have caused widespread fear and anger amid South Africa's longstanding crisis of violence against women. Police said some of the victims were found naked or partially clothed and with signs of injury. Meanwhile, activists have described a growing sense among women that they are being hunted.

South African authorities have stressed that there is currently no confirmation that a serial killer is responsible for the deaths. Police are also investigating whether the cases are connected while considering the possibility of multiple perpetrators.

A multidisciplinary team has been established to examine the cases, bringing together specialist detectives, forensic experts, tracking capabilities, K9 units and investigative psychology resources. Police have also offered R400,000 (£17,000) for information that could help identify and arrest those responsible.

Gérard Labuschagne, a former South African Police Service profiler, said:

'Due to the relatively close geographic proximity and timeframe of the murders and the similar victimology, it makes sense to treat this as a serial murder investigation until information to the contrary comes to light.'

At the same time, however, he stressed that he was not involved in the current investigation and could not determine whether a serial offender was responsible.

The public has also been warned by authorities about unverified claims circulating online, including allegations naming supposed suspects or linking unrelated killings to the investigation.

Identified Victims

A public search began after Moselakgomo disappeared on 9 September after leaving home for a routine run. Her body was subsequently found behind a hotel in Rhodesfield, Kempton Park, on 12 September and was positively identified by her family on 14 September.

The other identified victim, Kekana, was reported missing on 17 July and was found on 3 August in Kempton Park. Her family later described her as partially clothed, with bruising and injuries to her face. Police separately reported that the 32-year-old had suffered multiple stab wounds.

Wider Femicide Crisis

The deaths have added to South Africa's wider gender-based violence and femicide crisis, which was classified as a national disaster in November 2025.

The incidents have also affected everyday activities, with women expressing concerns about walking, running and travelling alone.

For now, police have urged women to exercise additional caution in isolated areas. That advice has drawn criticism from gender-based violence campaigners who argue that women already take extensive precautions and that the burden of preventing violence should not fall on victims.