Pretoria – The family of 28-year-old Gracious Nkomo has positively identified her as one of the women whose bodies were discovered along the R21 in Kempton Park.
At least nine bodies of murdered women have been found in Ekurhuleni since July.
“Nkomo was the third woman whose body was discovered in the Kempton Park area on 10 September 2026. She was found partially clothed,” police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said Thursday, 17 September 2026.
“She was identified today by her family at the Germiston Mortuary.”
Brigadier Mathe said the South African Police Service (SAPS) continues to investigate the murder of Nkomo, as well as the other cases involving women whose bodies have been discovered in the area.
Acting National Commissioner of the SAPS, Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane, said a multidisciplinary team of investigators was working around the clock to establish the circumstances surrounding the murders and identify those responsible.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Gracious Nkomo during this extremely difficult time,” said Lieutenant General Dimpane.
“Our investigators remain seized with these cases, and we will continue to pursue every available lead to ensure that those responsible for these murders are brought to justice.”
Brigadier Mathe said Kempton Park remains under intensified policing operations, and investigations into these murders remain ongoing.
Meanwhile, government officials earlier today joined the families and communities of Ekurhuleni in remembering and honouring the women whose lives were tragically cut short amid the ongoing scourge of Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF).
The memorial service, held at Ekurhuleni Civic Center, Kempton Park, comes as the nation confronts the devastating loss of at least nine women whose bodies were discovered in the municipality.
Minister in the Presidency responsible for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Sindisiwe Chikunga, and acting Police Minister, Professor Firoz Cachalia, were among the officials who attended the memorial.
Recounting her visit to the bereaved family of murdered runner Elizabeth “Tsontso” Moselakgomo, Minister Chikunga said: “I went there in my capacity as a Minister, but more fundamentally.
“I went there as a woman and a mother. In that home, I met Elizabeth’s eight-year-old daughter.
“I was deeply moved, broken, yet inspired by her immense courage.”
Minister Chikunga said the child wrote her mom a heartbreaking goodbye letter in her own handwriting, listing all the things her mother will miss out on now that she has become “God’s newest and best angel.”
She said it was unimaginable grief, met with such profound grace, which brought her to tears.
“The trauma we witness here in Kempton Park is not an isolated incident; it is a symptom of a systemic, undeclared warfare waged against the women of this country,” said Minister Chikunga.
A message read on behalf of President Cyril Ramaphosa, who could not attend because of ill health, said: “All the families, all the friends and all the communities who have lost loved ones know that the nation stands with them in their hour of sorrow.
“We are gathered to remember all the women whose lives were taken with terrible cruelty.
“They were daughters, mothers, sisters, friends, colleagues and neighbours.”
President Ramaphosa said he has directed that no stone be left unturned in bringing those responsible to justice.
“I have directed that we use every means at our disposal, including the latest surveillance technology, to track down the perpetrators and stop these crimes.”
