South African police have arrested three individuals following the murder of one of nine women found dead over two months in Kempton Park, east of Johannesburg. The series of murders has caused widespread concern amid investigations into the possibility of a serial killer.
Over the weekend, authorities apprehended a man and two women associated with the death of Jabulile Ntimba, whose body was discovered on September 17. As with many of the victims, Ntimba’s body was found partially clothed by the roadside. According to Deputy Police Chief Tebello Mosikili, Ntimba’s murder might be related to a personal relationship issue, possibly involving a love triangle.
Police have issued warnings urging women to exercise caution when engaging in activities such as jogging in the area. President Cyril Ramaphosa affirmed the government’s commitment to holding the perpetrators accountable. “We will be pulling out all stops to find these perpetrators,” Ramaphosa stated, promising increased resources to combat violence against women.
The recent arrests bring the total number of suspects detained in connection with the Kempton Park killings to four. Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia stressed the urgency of addressing potential threats to women and establishing connections among the cases.
Separately, police continue to investigate the murder of another woman in Soweto, whose body was found wrapped in a duvet and discarded near a dam. Police also reported two alleged serial rapists scheduled for court appearances in KwaZulu-Natal. DNA evidence has linked a 46-year-old suspect to 16 rape cases in Durban, while a 36-year-old suspect is connected to at least 14 cases across two provinces.
Violence remains pervasive in South Africa, with daily murders averaging over 60. Crime statistics from April to July 2026 recorded 5,427 murders. Femicide rates are among the highest globally, with the United Nations highlighting gender-based violence and femicide as a national disaster in South Africa.
A 2024 study found that three women were killed daily by intimate partners between 2020 to 2021. Surveys indicate that over 35% of South African adult women have experienced physical or sexual violence.
The Commission for Gender Equality advocates for urgent preventive measures, such as conducting safety audits. These would focus on lighting, surveillance, and public transport routes, among other factors. “Women should not have to be killed before an area receives heightened attention,” emphasized commission spokesperson Javu Baloyi.