Nigeria issued a security alert to citizens in South Africa, as police found another woman dead

The Nigerian Consulate General in Johannesburg has issued a safety warning to Nigerians living in the disaster area, as South African police on Thursday discovered the body of a ninth woman east of Johannesburg, in a series of unresolved deaths.

The alert, dated September 16, said the deaths of eight women had been reported over approximately two months in Ekurhuleni and surrounding areas and were being investigated by the South African Police.

The mission said a multidisciplinary investigation team consisting of specialized law enforcement resources was deployed following the death.

It said investigators had identified “similarities” in some of the cases and were examining whether the incidents were related.

However, the consulate stressed that SAPS had not determined that the deaths were carried out by a single perpetrator or confirmed the involvement of a serial killer.

Therefore, this latest discovery brings the number of bodies found to nine, although the police are still investigating whether the cases are connected.

One of the victims, Elizabeth Moselakgomo, 38, left her eight-year-old daughter at home to go jogging but never returned. Her body was found on September 12 behind a hotel.

His disappearance attracted public attention after fellow runners launched a social media campaign to find him, drawing renewed attention to previous cases and the discovery of more bodies.

The first victim, a 37-year-old woman, was found naked and bound with cable ties on July 15. Police said a suspect was arrested two days later and appeared in court on Wednesday. Deputy Police Chief Tebello Mosikili said the suspect was a foreigner but his nationality was not disclosed.

A 32-year-old woman was found partially clothed on August 24, while another woman was found naked and decomposing on September 10.

The Consulate urges Nigerians, especially women and girls who live, work, study, exercise, socialize or regularly travel through Kempton Park, Rhodesfield and the surrounding areas of Ekurhuleni, to exercise increased vigilance.

The agency advises Nigerians to avoid walking, jogging or exercising alone in remote, poorly lit, deserted or unfamiliar areas, including open fields and remote trails.

The mission also urges citizens to travel and exercise in groups whenever possible, change routes and times of day, remain aware of their surroundings, and avoid prolonged use of headphones or cell phones in areas with limited visibility or pedestrian activity.

They further advised Nigerians to inform family members, friends or other trusted persons about their destination, route and estimated time of return.

The consulate warned against releasing unverified photos, names, videos, voice notes or allegations that identify suspects or link unrelated incidents, and warned that such actions could harm the investigation and harm innocent people.

The mission said the alert was not intended to cause panic or restrict the lawful movement of Nigerians, but to ensure that members of the public are informed and can take reasonable precautions while investigations continue.

The report also emphasizes that security measures should not be seen as a burden on preventing violence against women or as a substitute for effective policing, investigations and accountability.

The consulate said the wider crime situation in Gauteng was also concerning.

The report cited the latest SAPS quarterly crime statistics, which recorded 1,223 murders, 2,369 sexual offenses and 39,094 contact crimes against persons in the province between January and March 2026.

However, it was noted that the statistics did not show any connection between the eight deaths and specific crime patterns.