Residents across Ekurhuleni are facing renewed concern after the body of another woman was discovered in Springs, bringing the number of women whose bodies have reportedly been recovered across the East Rand since July to 11.
The latest discovery was made on Sunday, 27 September 2026, in an open veld near Rhokana Road and a railway line in Struisbult, Springs. The body was reportedly spotted around midday by private security personnel who were patrolling the area. Authorities were alerted and responded to the scene.
According to preliminary information from police, the victim is believed to have been a woman in her 20s. She was reportedly found partially unclothed, with early indications that she may have been strangled.
Gauteng Provincial Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni visited the scene on Sunday afternoon to oversee the initial stages of the investigation.
Mthombeni reportedly said the condition of the body suggested that the woman had died recently, unlike some of the other victims whose remains were discovered after a longer period. Investigators also found indications that there may have been a struggle at the scene.
The discovery came less than a day after another woman, Ntombifuthi Nxumalo, was found dead at Mooifontein Cemetery in Tembisa South on Saturday, 26 September. Nxumalo was reportedly found naked and had suffered serious head injuries.
Police later arrested a male suspect in connection with her death. According to the information released, investigators tracked the suspect to Tzaneen in Limpopo after he allegedly attempted to leave Gauteng.
Police have also made arrests in another case involving the death of Jabulile Ntimba, whose body was found in Dawn Park on 17 September. Two women were arrested in connection with that investigation.
Despite the number of cases reported in recent months, police have cautioned against concluding that all the deaths are connected to one perpetrator. Investigators are examining the cases individually while also looking for possible links between them.
Specialised teams, including Crime Intelligence, forensic investigators and investigative psychology specialists, are reportedly assessing the cases for similarities in circumstances and possible behavioural connections.
Police have offered a R400,000 reward for credible information that could assist investigators in solving outstanding cases and securing arrests.
The developments have left many residents worried about their safety, particularly women who travel alone or use isolated routes. Community members and civil society groups have called for increased police visibility and stronger measures to protect vulnerable people.
The investigation into the Springs discovery remains ongoing. Police are expected to establish the identity of the victim, determine the circumstances surrounding her death and establish whether anyone can be linked to the crime.
Authorities have urged anyone with information that could assist the investigation to come forward.
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