Nigerian Consulate Urges Vigilance in Kempton Park, Rhodesfield and Other Affected Areas
South African police have recovered the body of a ninth woman in the Ekurhuleni area east of Johannesburg, amid investigations into a series of deaths that have raised concern among residents.
Police have imposed a lockdown in parts of Kempton Park and mounted roadblocks after three partially naked bodies were found this week.
Deputy Police Chief Tebello Mosikili said investigators were examining whether the latest discovery was connected to the earlier deaths or involved a copycat offender.
“We cannot continue picking up bodies,” Mosikili told journalists in Dawn Park, where the latest body was found by the roadside.
Police have offered a 400,000 rand ($25,000) reward for information leading to the arrest of the suspected killer or killers, while South Africa’s Democratic Alliance offered an additional $31,000.
The Nigerian Consulate-General in Johannesburg issued a safety advisory on September 16 after eight women were reported dead over approximately two months in and around Ekurhuleni.
The consulate said investigators had identified similarities in some of the cases and were examining possible links, but stressed that the South African Police Service had not established that the deaths were committed by one person or confirmed the existence of a serial killer.
The latest discovery brings the number of bodies recovered in the wider series to nine, although police are still investigating whether the cases are connected.
The consulate urged Nigerians, particularly women and girls living, working, studying or regularly travelling through Kempton Park, Rhodesfield and surrounding areas, to exercise heightened vigilance.
It advised residents to avoid walking, jogging or exercising alone in isolated or poorly lit areas, travel in groups where possible, vary their routes and remain alert to their surroundings.
The mission also warned Nigerians against sharing unverified photographs, names or allegations identifying suspected perpetrators, saying such actions could prejudice investigations and harm innocent people.
It urged anyone with credible information that could assist the investigation to report directly to the South African Police Service rather than circulating it on social media.
The consulate said it would continue monitoring developments and liaising with South African authorities while providing assistance to affected Nigerians.