Nine Women Found Dead in Two Months as South Africa Faces Renewed Femicide Concerns

South Africa is facing renewed concern over gender-based violence after nine women were found dead in the Ekurhuleni municipality in the space of nearly two months. The latest case involves 38-year-old Elizabeth Moselakgomo, a mother who disappeared on September 9 after going out for a run in Dawn Park, Boksburg, east of Johannesburg. Her body was discovered three days later after her eight-year-old daughter raised the alarm. Police are investigating the deaths but say there is currently no confirmed evidence linking the nine cases. Investigators are examining whether they could involve one

South Africa is facing renewed concern over gender-based violence after nine women were found dead in the Ekurhuleni municipality in the space of nearly two months. The latest case involves 38-year-old Elizabeth Moselakgomo, a mother who disappeared on September 9 after going out for a run in Dawn Park, Boksburg, east of Johannesburg. Her body was discovered three days later after her eight-year-old daughter raised the alarm. Police are investigating the deaths but say there is currently no confirmed evidence linking the nine cases. Investigators are examining whether they could involve one perpetrator, a group of perpetrators or unrelated cases, including the possibility of copycat crimes. The deaths have intensified calls from human rights organisations and gender-equality groups for stronger action against femicide and gender-based violence. The National Shelter Movement has also reported a severe level of abuse among women seeking help, including death threats, stalking, strangulation, coercive control and violations of protection orders. South Africa declared gender-based violence and femicide a national disaster in November 2025. Parliament has also said the country’s femicide rate is around five times the global average. President Cyril Ramaphosa has pledged that perpetrators will face justice, while authorities say police patrols have been increased. However, women’s rights groups argue that greater protection requires more than warnings for women to avoid isolated places. They are also calling for stronger policing, better support for survivors and adequate funding for shelters as concerns continue over the safety of women across the country.