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The Nigerian Consulate-General in Johannesburg, South Africa, has advised its nationals in Kempton Park, Rhodesfield, and Ekurhuleni to remain cautious following the discovery of nine women’s bodies in the regions.
Over the past two months, the South African Police Service (SAPS) has recovered the bodies of nine women, raising concerns over the safety of women in the area as investigations continue.
A ninth body was discovered on Thursday. Investigators have identified “concerning similarities” in some of the cases and are examining whether, and to what extent, the incidents may be connected.
“The Consulate General of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in Johannesburg wishes to draw the urgent attention of members of the Nigerian Community to serious and developing safety concerns following the deaths of eight women whose cases are currently being investigated by the South African Police Service (SAPS) in and around Ekurhuleni, east of Johannesburg,” the advisory read in part.
“The deaths have occurred over approximately two months and have prompted the deployment of a multidisciplinary investigation team comprising specialised law enforcement resources.”
Although speculation has emerged that a serial killer could be behind the deaths, SAPS has not established that the killings were committed by a single perpetrator or confirmed the involvement of a serial killer.
The mission said details of each case were still being investigated, but the incidents were serious enough to warrant “heightened vigilance and prudent personal-safety measures”, particularly for Nigerian women and girls who live, work, study, exercise, socialise or frequently travel through the affected areas.
“The Consulate’s concern is informed by both the recent string of incidents, and the broader crime environment in Gauteng Province. According to the latest SAPS quarterly crime statistics, 1,223 murders and 2,369 sexual offences were recorded in Gauteng between January and March 2026. During the same period, SAPS recorded 39,094 contact crimes against persons in the province,” the advisory stated.
The consulate, however, noted that the statistics did not establish any link between the nine deaths and any particular crime pattern.
It advised community members, particularly women, to avoid walking, jogging or exercising alone in isolated, poorly lit, deserted or unfamiliar areas, including open fields and secluded pathways.
Nigerians were also urged to exercise and travel in groups where possible, vary their routes and exercise times, and avoid repeatedly using isolated locations.
The consulate advised residents to remain alert to their surroundings and avoid prolonged use of headphones or mobile phones when walking or exercising in areas with limited visibility or pedestrian activity.
It further urged Nigerians to inform family members, friends or other trusted people of their destination, route and expected time of return.
The mission cautioned Nigerians against circulating unverified photographs, names, videos, voice notes or allegations identifying purported suspects or linking unrelated incidents.
It said such actions could prejudice ongoing investigations, cause serious harm to innocent people and undermine the work of law enforcement authorities.
The consulate clarified that the advisory was not meant to cause panic or restrict Nigerians’ legal rights. Instead, it was issued to keep the community informed and prepared to take precautions while investigations continue.
