Spate of Twelve Women’s Murders Stokes Fear in South Africa
The eastern outskirts of Johannesburg’s Ekurhuleni region have become the focus of a national shock after police confirmed the discovery of 12 female bodies in just two months. The first death, that of 37‑year‑old Busisiwe Mahlangu, opened the grim count, followed by a series of killings that have yet to reveal a clear pattern.
Police say three of the murders are linked to suspects who have been arrested, but the remaining cases show no direct connection – a fact that keeps the possibility of a serial killer alive. In the earliest incidents, victims were found partially or fully naked, often with bruising and other signs of violence. Only one of the suspected perpetrators, believed to be a former partner, is currently being held in custody.
The spate has thrown a spotlight on a broader issue: South Africa’s alarmingly high violence against women. According to the South African Human Rights Commission, 569 women were killed between April and June this year, averaging six per day. The government has responded by offering a 400,000‑rand reward for information leading to arrests, and a special task team has been formed to investigate the deaths.
President Cyril Ramaphosa described the murders as a “stain on our national conscience,” underscoring the gravity of the situation. While the investigation continues, the community remains on edge, with local networks of volunteers and activists demanding transparency and swift justice.
For more in-depth coverage of the investigations, community responses, and updates on the task team’s work, stay tuned to civitas.global.
