A fifth woman’s body has been discovered near Kempton Park, Gauteng, deepening concerns over a series of deaths involving women in the area and prompting police to deploy additional specialised resources.
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The body was discovered earlier today, 14 September 2026, in Olifantsfontein, a few kilometres from the locations where four other women were found dead over the past two months.
According to police, a passerby discovered the body beside the road. Investigators believe the woman may have been dumped at the location between Sunday night and the early hours of Monday morning.
Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe confirmed that the latest victim was found partially clothed, with bruising and serious injuries. She said the circumstances raised further concerns because of similarities identified in some of the earlier cases.
According to EWN, police have cautioned against concluding that a serial killer is responsible. Mathe said investigators are relying on forensic and psychological experts to establish whether the cases are connected and whether evidence points to a single perpetrator or group.
4 Previous deaths
The latest discovery follows four other cases reported in the broader Kempton Park area.
According to police information reported by IOL, the first victim was a 37-year-old woman whose body was found near the R21 on 15 July. She was found naked and restrained with cable ties, and a suspect was arrested two days later.
A second woman, aged 32, was found near the R21 on 24 August 2026. She was partially clothed.
A third unidentified woman was discovered on 10 September 2026. Her body was in an advanced state of decomposition, and police were still working to establish her identity.
The fourth victim, a 38-year-old woman, was found in Rhodesfield on 12 September 2026. She was wearing sports clothing and was found partially clothed.
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Police have previously said the women were found in locations within the same general vicinity, with some victims found partially clothed and showing visible bruising. These similarities prompted SAPS to establish a dedicated multidisciplinary task team.
The investigation is currently being conducted by a multidisciplinary team that includes specialised detectives from the Murder and Robbery Unit, as well as the Investigative Psychology Unit.
eNCA reported that the team was holding an urgent meeting in Midrand following the discovery of the fifth body. Police are expected to examine the latest crime scene and compare forensic evidence with evidence gathered from the previous cases.
KEMPTON PARK: THIS IS SERIOUS.
Four women have been found dead in the Kempton Park/Rhodesfield area in just two months. Police are investigating possible links between the cases.
Women, please do not jog, run or walk alone in isolated areas. Exercise in groups where possible,… pic.twitter.com/Whl3jkLcpy
— Powerhouse (@SEO30JJ) September 14, 2026
Police send warning to women
SAPS has urged women in Kempton Park, particularly around Rhodesfield and other isolated areas, not to walk or run alone.
Reports from eNCA say police have advised residents to avoid secluded areas, remain vigilant and, where possible, travel or exercise in groups. Members of the public who may have witnessed suspicious activity are also being urged to come forward.
Anyone with information that could assist investigators can contact Warrant Officer Elvis Manyike on 082 465 7249 or submit information anonymously through the MySAPS app.
For now, police have not confirmed that the five deaths are linked. Investigators are expected to use forensic evidence, victim profiles and behavioural analysis to determine whether the cases form part of a wider pattern.
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Featured image: X/@MongeziKoko
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