Johannesburg – Another bruised, half-naked body of a woman was found in Kempton Park on Saturday, 12 September 2026, raising fears of a serial killer in the area.
Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said this was the fourth dead woman found in the same area in two months.
Preliminary information gathered by detectives indicates concerning similarities in the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
“The bodies of the women were found half naked and with visible bruising, and the discovery sites are located within the same vicinity,” revealed Brigadier Mathe.
“While investigations are still underway, the South African Police Service (SAPS) has not, at this stage, confirmed that the deaths are linked to a serial killer.”’
However, Brigadier Mathe said the “similarities are sufficiently concerning” for the police to issue a public warning and intensify investigations.
SAPS warned women in and around Kempton Park, particularly the Rhodesfield area, to exercise extreme caution following the discovery of the bodies.
“Women in and around Kempton Park are urged not to walk or run alone, particularly in isolated areas,” Brigadier Mathe advised.
“They should avoid secluded spaces, remain vigilant and, where possible, travel or exercise in groups.
“The safety of women remains a priority for SAPS, and the police will not wait for further incidents before taking decisive action.”
Brigadier Mathe said SAPS was appealing to anyone with information that could assist the investigation, particularly residents, motorists, security personnel, and community members who may have observed suspicious activity in Rhodesfield and surrounding areas, to come forward.
“SAPS is taking these incidents extremely seriously,” the police spokesperson stated.
“We urge women to remain vigilant, while assuring the community that specialised police resources have been mobilised to establish the circumstances surrounding these deaths and bring those responsible to justice.”
Members of the public with information are urged to contact Warrant Officer Elvis Manyike on 082 465 7249 or provide information anonymously through the MySAPS App.
Acting National Commissioner of the SAPS, Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane, has directed the Gauteng Provincial Commissioner to immediately establish a dedicated multidisciplinary task team to investigate these cases and determine whether the incidents are linked.
The task team will comprise detectives from specialised units, including the Murder and Robbery Unit and the Investigative Psychology Unit, as well as other relevant disciplines and resources required to urgently advance the investigation.
