South African police discover body of 10th woman near Johannesburg
South African police have discovered the 10th body of a woman near Johannesburg since mid-July, sparking fears of a serial killer. The incident has drawn national attention to the country's high rates of femicide and violent crime.
Why it matters
The discovery highlights a severe social crisis in South Africa, prompting political acknowledgment and public concern regarding the safety of women.
Police are investigating the killings in a country with one of the highest femicide rates in the world.
x whatsapp-stroke copylink google Add Al Jazeera on Google info Members of the South African Police Service and state pathologists inspect the body of one of the women found dumped on the side of a road near Johannesburg earlier this month [File: Kim Ludbrook/EPA] By Al Jazeera Staff , AFP and AP Published On 26 Sep 2026 26 Sep 2026 South African police have discovered the body of another woman east of the country’s commercial capital, Johannesburg, bringing the total number of female bodies found near the city since mid-July to 10.
Police confirmed the discovery in Thembisa, Ekurhuleni, on Saturday but have not provided any further information. The body was found in the morning, according to the daily newspaper, The Sowetan.
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