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South Africa: 8th woman's death fuels femicide fears

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Ed McCambridge
September 17, 2026

Fear and outrage are mounting in South Africa after an eighth woman was found dead near Johannesburg airport, with police under pressure to solve the killings and tackle the country's femicide crisis.

Eight women have been found dead in Ekurhuleni, east of South Africa's metropolis Johannesburg, since mid-July, with several victims showing signs of sexual violence.

The latest victim, 38-year-old Elizabeth "Tsontso" Moselakgomo, disappeared during a run and was later found near Kempton Park.

Police say it is still unclear whether the killings are linked, while fear, grief and anger are growing across the region. The case has renewed scrutiny of South Africa’s high rates of femicide and violence against women.

 

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