The family of 28-year-old Gracious Nkomo has positively identified her as one of the women whose bodies were discovered in the Kempton Park area, as police continue investigating a series of deaths that has raised concern across Ekurhuleni.
Nkomo was the third woman whose body was discovered in the Kempton Park area on 10 September 2026. Her body was found partially clothed along the R21.
Her family formally identified her at the Germiston Mortuary on Thursday, 17 September, one week after her body was discovered. The identification has brought confirmation to the family as they continue seeking answers about the circumstances surrounding her death.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) confirmed that investigations into Nkomo’s death remain ongoing. Police are also investigating the deaths of other women whose bodies have been found in different parts of Ekurhuleni.
Acting National Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Puleng Dimpane said a multidisciplinary team of investigators has been assigned to the cases and is working to establish what happened to the victims and identify those responsible.
Dimpane also expressed condolences to Nkomo’s family and loved ones, saying investigators would continue following available leads.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Gracious Nkomo during this extremely difficult time,” Dimpane said. “Our investigators remain seized with these cases, and we will continue to pursue every available lead to ensure that those responsible for these murders are brought to justice.”
Police have not provided further details about Nkomo’s cause of death, and no arrest in connection with her death had been announced in the information available at the time of publication.
Other Ekurhuleni Victims Identified
Nkomo’s identification follows the identification of several other women whose bodies were discovered in Ekurhuleni.
They include Elizabeth “Tsontso” Moselakgomo, 38; Itumeleng Kekana, 32; and Dineo Evelyn Motapane, 38.
The family of another victim, identified by her first name as Tebello, 23, has also said a friend confirmed her identity after a woman’s body was discovered in Villa Lisa Extension 4. Police confirmation of that identification was not available in the information provided.
The discovery of nine women’s bodies across Ekurhuleni since July has prompted intensified police operations, particularly in Kempton Park.
However, police have cautioned that the deaths have not all been conclusively linked. Investigators are treating the cases individually while examining whether there may be connections between them or whether the same perpetrator or perpetrators could be involved.
Kempton Park remains under intensified policing as investigators continue gathering evidence and following leads.
For Nkomo’s family, the identification provides certainty about her whereabouts, but significant questions remain about what happened to her and who may have been responsible. Police investigations are continuing as authorities work to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths and determine whether any links exist between the cases.
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