Updated: 15 September 2026
What began as concern over several women found dead around Kempton Park has now developed into a much larger investigation.
Police are investigating the deaths of seven women whose bodies have been discovered across parts of Ekurhuleni over approximately two months.
The discoveries have understandably led South Africans to ask: Is there a serial killer in Kempton Park or the East Rand?
Right now, SAPS has not confirmed that there is a serial killer, nor that all seven deaths were committed by the same person. Investigators are considering whether one perpetrator, multiple perpetrators, copycat crimes or separate cases could be involved.
What is the latest update?
On Tuesday, 15 September, another woman's body was discovered in KwaThema, Springs, approximately 45km from Kempton Park.
Police later confirmed another case involving a woman whose body had previously been discovered in Clayville on 7 September, bringing the number of cases under investigation to seven.
The deaths now span areas including Kempton Park, Olifantsfontein, KwaThema/Springs and Clayville, making this an increasingly concerning East Rand investigation rather than simply a Kempton Park story.
Several victims were reportedly found naked or partially clothed, and authorities are examining similarities between the cases. However, those similarities do not yet prove that the same person is responsible.
What happened to Elizabeth “Tsontso” Moselakgomo?
One of the women has been identified as 38-year-old Elizabeth “Tsontso” Moselakgomo, a mother and runner from Rhodesfield, Kempton Park.
Elizabeth disappeared after leaving home for a routine run on 9 September.
After days of searching, her family positively identified her body at the Germiston mortuary on Monday.
Her family described Elizabeth as the “glue” that held their family together, while runners across South Africa have begun dedicating runs and events to her memory.
Her family is currently awaiting the results of her post-mortem examination before finalising funeral arrangements.
Behind all the numbers and headlines are real women, real families and communities desperately waiting for answers.
Is there a serial killer in Kempton Park?
Police have not confirmed this.
This remains one of the most important facts to remember as speculation spreads online.
Former SAPS criminal profiler Elmarie Myburgh has said the Ekurhuleni murders should be investigated as a potential serial-killer case because of the growing number of victims and the need for a coordinated investigation. That is an expert opinion — not confirmation from SAPS that a serial killer exists.
Authorities say investigators are following multiple leads and considering different possibilities, including whether there could be more than one perpetrator or copycat crimes.
So, as of 15 September 2026: seven deaths are being investigated, but police have not established that one person is responsible for all seven.
President Ramaphosa has now responded
The seriousness of the situation has reached the Presidency.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has directed law-enforcement agencies to prioritise the investigation into the killings of women in and around Kempton Park and the broader East Rand.
The President said that “no stone will be left unturned” in establishing what happened and bringing those responsible to justice.
Police resources and specialist investigators are working across the affected areas as authorities attempt to establish whether and how the cases are connected.
What should women do right now?
Police have urged women to be particularly cautious while the investigation continues.
For women who normally run or exercise alone, we believe it's worth temporarily changing your routine.
Consider using a gym, joining a running club, exercising with friends or using a school, athletics track or controlled sports facility rather than running alone along isolated roads.
This isn't about creating panic or telling women they shouldn't be allowed to run freely.
It's about recognising that something serious is happening and taking reasonable precautions until police understand exactly what they're dealing with.
Give yourself an advantage
We also encourage women to consider carrying a personal safety or self-defence tool.
No safety tool can guarantee your safety, and the objective should never be to stay and fight an attacker.
The objective is to create an opportunity to escape.
A personal alarm can create immediate noise and attract attention. Pepper spray may help create distance between you and an attacker.
But whatever you carry, learn how to use it and keep it accessible.
A safety tool buried at the bottom of your handbag isn't useful when you have seconds to react.
Know where your tool is. Understand how it works. Practise accessing it.
What happens now?
This remains a fast-moving investigation, and information may change as forensic examinations are completed and police establish whether there are links between the seven women.
There are still major questions that need answers:
Are these deaths connected? Is one person responsible? Are there multiple perpetrators? Or are some of these separate crimes?
Until SAPS answers those questions, we should not present speculation as fact.
But women should also take the police warnings seriously.
For now, please take the extra precautions. Look out for one another. Reconsider isolated running routes. And give yourself every reasonable advantage to get home safely.
Keychain SA will continue updating this article as verified information becomes available.
Your key to safety & peace of mind.