Eight Women Found Dead in Ekurhuleni as Police Offer R400,000 Reward
Ekurhuleni women murders have sparked growing concern across Gauteng, with police investigating the deaths of eight women whose bodies have been discovered in different parts of Ekurhuleni since July.
Johannesburg, 17 September 2026 — The investigation has intensified after police announced a R400,000 reward for information that could lead to an arrest, while the families of victims continue to search for answers.
The latest development came after the family of 38-year-old Dineo Evelyn Motapane positively identified her body at the Springs Mortuary on Wednesday, 16 September.
Motapane’s body was discovered on the side of the road in KwaThema, Springs, on Tuesday. Her identification means three of the eight women whose bodies have been found during the investigation have now been identified.
The cases have triggered widespread concern across Ekurhuleni and renewed national attention on violence against women in South Africa.
What happened to the eight women?
Police are investigating eight deaths recorded across Kempton Park, Olifantsfontein, Clayville and KwaThema since July.
The first body was discovered in Kempton Park on 15 July, followed by further discoveries in August and September. The latest cases have prompted police to combine resources and examine whether there are links between them.
One of the identified victims is Elizabeth “Tsontso” Moselakgomo, 38, whose disappearance after leaving home for a run sparked a widespread search. Her remains were later found in Rhodesfield, Kempton Park, and her family confirmed her identity.
The most recent identification is Motapane.
According to police, she was last seen alive on Sunday. Her family had not reported her missing before her body was discovered.
Several of the other victims remain unidentified.
Police have urged families with missing relatives in the affected areas to come forward and assist with the identification process.
Police caution against serial-killer speculation
The circumstances surrounding the deaths have understandably fuelled fears that a serial killer could be operating in the area.
However, police have not confirmed that a serial killer is responsible.
Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia said it was premature to speculate about a pattern linking all eight deaths, while police officials have stressed that investigators must allow evidence to establish whether the cases are connected.
That distinction is important.
While some of the cases share concerning similarities and occurred within the same broader geographical area, authorities have not established that a single person or group is responsible for all eight deaths.
A specialised multidisciplinary team has therefore been tasked with examining the cases.
The team includes detectives, forensic experts, intelligence officers and other specialised resources.
R400,000 reward announced
Police have now put a R400,000 reward on the table for information that could lead to the arrest of those responsible.
The reward was announced by Acting National Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane during a media briefing at the SAPS Gauteng headquarters in Parktown.
The investigation is also focused on identifying the women whose names remain unknown.
For investigators, identifying the victims could provide critical leads into their movements, relationships and final known whereabouts.
Police have appealed to members of the public who may have information about the victims or the circumstances surrounding their deaths to assist the investigation.
Elizabeth Moselakgomo’s death brought the investigation into sharp focus
The case involving Elizabeth “Tsontso” Moselakgomo has become one of the most widely discussed of the eight.
The 38-year-old mother disappeared after leaving her home for an afternoon run.
Her family and members of the community joined the search before her remains were eventually discovered in Rhodesfield.
Everyday Mzansi previously reported on the devastating confirmation of her identity and the police investigation into the deaths of women in the Kempton Park area.
Her case has also become a symbol of the fear now being experienced by women and families in communities around Ekurhuleni.
Communities are demanding answers
The deaths have generated anger and anxiety well beyond the immediate crime scenes.
Questions are being raised about women’s safety, police visibility and the ability of law-enforcement agencies to identify and stop those responsible for violent crimes against women.
The South African Police Service has responded by increasing patrols and visibility in affected areas while specialised investigators continue examining the cases. SAPS said the response requires a coordinated and intelligence-driven approach.
The developments also come amid South Africa’s continuing struggle with gender-based violence and femicide.
The country’s broader crisis around violence against women has been the subject of sustained pressure from civil society organisations and women’s rights campaigners.
What happens next?
The immediate priority for investigators is to establish the identities of the remaining victims, determine the circumstances surrounding each death and establish whether evidence connects any of the cases.
Police have also appealed to communities to share information rather than rely on rumours or unverified claims circulating on social media.
For families still waiting for answers, identifying their loved ones remains an urgent priority.
The investigation is ongoing, and police have not confirmed that all eight deaths were committed by the same person or group.
As the R400,000 reward puts renewed focus on the investigation, authorities are hoping information from the public will help investigators establish what happened and bring those responsible to justice.
Everyday Mzansi will continue following the Ekurhuleni investigation and publish verified developments as they emerge.
If you have information
Anyone with information that could assist the investigation should contact the South African Police Service or Crime Stop. Readers should avoid sharing unverified names, photographs or accusations on social media, particularly while several victims have yet to be formally identified.
