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Body of 7th woman found in same area of South Africa, sparking fears of serial killer

CBS News • September 15, 2026 • world

Key Points:

A woman's body was found in Kwa-Thema, east of Johannesburg, in an area where several other victims have been discovered recently, prompting fears of a potential serial killer and a public warning from South African police.
Authorities have not confirmed if the cases are linked but have intensified investigations and issued warnings for women to exercise caution during activities like jogging; President Cyril Ramaphosa has prioritized these investigations.
The victims were found in various locations nearby, often in a state of undress and decomposition, with one high-profile case involving a missing jogger whose disappearance sparked a social media campaign leading to more discoveries.
South Africa faces a severe problem with gender-based violence, recording high femicide rates and numerous murders daily, with the government declaring it a national disaster and calls for urgent preventive measures.
Human rights groups and the Commission for Gender Equality have urged comprehensive safety audits and improved security measures in affected areas to protect women and prevent further violence.

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