Ekurhuleni Killings: Police Probe Suspect’s Nationality as Ninth Woman Is Found Dead
Last updated: 18 September 2026
Police are investigating the deaths of nine women whose bodies have been discovered across Ekurhuleni since July, while authorities work to establish whether some or all of the cases are connected.
The investigation has also turned to the identity and nationality of a man already in custody in connection with one of the murders.
Deputy National Police Commissioner Lt-Gen Tebello Mosikili said police had received information indicating that the suspect may not be a South African citizen.
However, his nationality has not been confirmed.
“We cannot say yes, it’s a non-South African, but we have been informed that it’s a non-South African, but from which country?” Mosikili said.
Police are working with the Department of Home Affairs and security agencies to verify the man’s identity and background through biometric and fingerprint records.
What Police Know About the Suspect
At this stage, only one man is in custody in connection with one of the cases.
Police have not established that he is responsible for the other deaths.
Investigators are obtaining fingerprints from police and correctional services records and working with Home Affairs to establish his identity and nationality.
The suspect was arrested in connection with a July murder, and investigators are now examining whether there could be links between that case and any of the other deaths.
That distinction is important.
Police have received information suggesting the man may be a foreign national, but that information remains subject to verification. Authorities have not publicly identified his country of origin.
Nine Women Have Now Been Found Dead
The investigation intensified after a ninth woman’s body was discovered in Dawn Park, Boksburg, on 17 September.
Police said the woman appeared to be in her 30s and had been found by a passerby. Her identity had not yet been publicly confirmed at the time of the latest police briefing.
The discovery followed the identification of 38-year-old Dineo Evelyn Motapane, whose body was found in KwaThema, Springs, earlier in September.
Motapane was identified by her family at the Springs Mortuary.
According to reports, she was last seen alive on 13 September. She leaves behind a two-year-old daughter.
Her death has added another family to a growing list of relatives demanding answers as investigators try to establish what happened to the women.
Dineo Motapane’s Family Wants Answers
Motapane’s family has spoken publicly about the devastation caused by her death.
Her relatives said they were struggling to understand how the 38-year-old mother ended up dead after being last seen going about her normal routine.
Her aunt, Martha Goge, told EWN that the family wanted whoever was responsible to come forward and provide information about what happened to her.
Motapane’s family has also joined calls for justice for the other women whose bodies have been discovered in the region.
Are the Nine Deaths Connected?
This remains one of the biggest unanswered questions in the investigation.
Police have not confirmed that all nine cases involve one perpetrator or one group of perpetrators.
However, authorities have acknowledged that some of the cases may be linked and are investigating possible connections.
EWN reported that police had confirmed for the first time that some of the murders may be connected, while authorities continue to investigate whether there is a broader link between the cases.
That means it would be premature to describe the deaths as the work of a confirmed serial killer.
Investigators are instead examining the individual cases, comparing evidence and intelligence and looking for common patterns.
Operation Shanela Intensified Across Ekurhuleni
Police have responded by intensifying Operation Shanela in areas affected by the killings.
Acting Gauteng provincial police commissioner Maj-Gen Fred Kekana led an Operation Shanela deployment in Kempton Park, involving roadblocks, patrols and other crime-prevention measures.
Police said the operation is intended to increase visibility while also gathering information from communities.
According to Sowetan, police recorded more than 1,000 arrests during the latest Gauteng operation, including arrests for murder, attempted murder, rape, kidnapping and gender-based violence.
Those arrests are part of the broader crime-prevention operation and should not be interpreted as arrests specifically linked to the nine women’s deaths.
Police Are Using Intelligence, Forensics and Biometrics
The investigation involves more than conventional detective work.
Police have established a dedicated team and are using detectives, forensic investigators, crime intelligence and specialised units.
Home Affairs has also been brought into the investigation to assist with biometric information, including fingerprints.
This could help investigators establish the identities of both victims and suspects and determine whether information held in government records can provide new leads.
State security agencies have also been engaged as investigators attempt to build a clearer picture of the suspect and any possible links between the cases.
Five Victims Still Need to Be Identified
Police said five of the nine women had not yet been identified as of the latest briefing.
That makes victim identification one of the immediate priorities alongside determining the circumstances surrounding each death.
Authorities are appealing to members of the public who may have information about the women, their movements or the circumstances before their deaths to come forward.
Police Warn Against Speculation
With details of the investigation spreading rapidly on social media, authorities have urged the public not to jump to conclusions.
The nationality of the suspect in custody remains unconfirmed.
Likewise, police have not established that all nine deaths were committed by the same person.
Those facts are particularly important as investigators continue collecting forensic evidence and intelligence.
Gauteng Government Steps Up Response
The Gauteng government has also increased its response following the discovery of the ninth body.
Premier Panyaza Lesufi said intensified law-enforcement operations were under way and that investigators were gathering evidence from multiple sources, including CCTV footage and technology-related information.
He also said authorities were making progress on several cases, while stressing that arrests should be based on sufficient evidence rather than public pressure.
Police have also appealed to the public for information that could help investigators identify victims, establish their movements and identify those responsible.
What Happens Next?
The immediate focus of the investigation is expected to remain on several key questions:
- Establishing the identity and nationality of the suspect already in custody.
- Determining whether he can be linked to any other cases.
- Identifying the remaining unidentified victims.
- Comparing forensic evidence from the different crime scenes.
- Establishing whether the deaths are connected.
- Identifying and locating any additional suspects.
- Gathering CCTV, biometric and intelligence evidence.
- Increasing police operations in affected communities.
Until those investigations are completed, several of the most important questions remain unanswered.
Ekurhuleni Killings: What We Know So Far
Number of women found dead: 9
Period: July–September 2026
Area: Ekurhuleni, Gauteng
Suspects in custody linked to one case: 1
Suspect’s nationality: Not yet confirmed
Victims identified: Some, including 38-year-old Dineo Evelyn Motapane
Victims still unidentified: 5, according to the latest police briefing
Police operation: Operation Shanela
Agencies involved: SAPS, Home Affairs and security/intelligence structures
Are all cases connected? Not established
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Ekurhuleni murder suspect a foreign national?
Police have received information indicating that the suspect may not be South African, but his nationality has not been confirmed. Investigators are using fingerprints, Home Affairs records and other information to establish his identity and nationality.
How many women have been found dead in Ekurhuleni?
Nine women have been found dead in Ekurhuleni since July 2026, according to the latest police reports. Police are investigating whether some of the cases are connected.
Has police confirmed a serial killer is operating in Ekurhuleni?
No. Police have not established that all nine deaths were committed by one person. Investigators are examining possible links between some of the cases.
Who was Dineo Motapane?
Dineo Evelyn Motapane was a 38-year-old woman whose body was found in KwaThema, Springs, in September 2026. Her family subsequently identified her at the Springs Mortuary. She leaves behind a two-year-old daughter.
What is Operation Shanela?
Operation Shanela is a SAPS crime-prevention operation involving activities such as roadblocks, patrols, arrests and increased police visibility. It has been intensified in Ekurhuleni as authorities investigate the recent deaths.
What should the public do if they have information?
Anyone with information that could assist investigators should report it to SAPS through official crime-reporting channels rather than spreading unverified claims online.
The Investigation Is Still Developing
The discovery of a ninth body has increased pressure on police to establish whether the deaths form part of a connected pattern or represent separate cases.
For now, several crucial facts remain under investigation.
The suspect in custody has not had his nationality publicly confirmed, despite information received by police suggesting that he may not be South African. Authorities are checking that information through fingerprints, Home Affairs records and intelligence sources.
At the same time, investigators are working to identify the remaining victims and determine whether evidence from the different cases points to common suspects or circumstances.
Until those processes are completed, the most reliable picture is the one confirmed by investigators: nine women have been found dead, one suspect is in custody in connection with one case, some cases may be linked, but the full connection between the deaths has not yet been established.
