At least 12 women have been reported murdered in Ekurhuleni since July 2026, prompting speculation that a serial killer may be operating in Gauteng. Police have set up a task team to investigate possible links between several cases but have not confirmed whether any are connected. Daily Maverick journalist Reitumetse Pilane sets out what is known: the similarities between the cases, the arrests and evidence that suggest some are unrelated, and what forensic experts say about how investigators approach a possible series.
At least 12 women have been reported murdered in Ekurhuleni since July 2026, prompting speculation that a serial killer may be operating in Gauteng. Police have set up a task team to investigate possible links between several cases but have not confirmed whether any are connected. Daily Maverick journalist Reitumetse Pilane sets out what is known: the similarities between the cases, the arrests and evidence that suggest some are unrelated, and what forensic experts say about how investigators approach a possible series.
Reporting by: Reitumetse Pilane
Filmed by: Malibingwe Tyilo
Edited by: Anda Tolibadi
Produced by: Emilie Gambade
Creative input by: Malibongwe Tyilo
Sub-edited by: Ian Wolstenholme
Chapters
00:00 Introduction
00:28 The Latest Case: Boitumelo Nhlanzi
01:14 What Points to a Connection
02:05 What Doesn't Fit the Pattern
03:01 What the Experts Say
03:45 What Remains Unknown