// BBC WORLD NEWS — MONDO
Twelve women have been killed in one part of South Africa since July. Here's what we know so far
The discovery of 12 bodies in an area east of Johannesburg has sparked alarm in South Africa
Police in South Africa have confirmed the discovery of the bodies of three more women in an area east of Johannesburg, bringing the total number of bodies found there to 12 in just two months.
The latest bodies were found in Ekurhuleni between Saturday and Monday morning, according to local police.
Police have made arrests in three of the cases, which do not appear to be related to the others. Nevertheless, police have said they cannot rule out the possibility of a serial killer.
The discoveries have caused widespread alarm in Ekurhuleni, particularly around Kempton Park, and come against the backdrop of longstanding concerns about high levels of violence against women in South Africa.
Busisiwe Mahlangu's body was found in Kempton Park on 15 July 2026, the first of a string of bodies found in Ekurhuleni within a two-month period. The 37-year-old was found naked with her hands bound with cable ties.
Police arrested a suspect, believed to be her partner, two days after her murder. He has been in police custody since then and has not been linked to the other deaths that followed.
Itumeleng Kekana, 32, was the second woman whose body was found in the same area on 3 August 2026.
The young mother disappeared in July and her body was found badly bruised, partially clothed and dumped on a bridge in Kempton Park.
Nomfesane Mjobo's body was found on 26 August, also in Kempton Park.