‘We are prey’: discovery of seven women’s bodies fuels anger over femicide in South Africa

The bodies of eight women were found in the outskirts of Johannesburg’s international airport, with five discovered in the last week, sparking renewed fear and anger over the country’s femicide crisis.

The first victim, 38‑year‑old Elizabeth “Tsontso” Moselakgomo, disappeared after a run on 9 September. Her eight‑year‑old daughter alerted relatives, who in turn contacted police. Her body was located on Saturday and identified by family on Monday, a story that went viral and drew widespread attention.

Police released a statement on Saturday that four women’s bodies had been found since 15 July in Kempton Park, across the highway from OR Tambo airport. All were half‑naked with visible bruising. On Monday and Tuesday, two more were discovered in Olifantsfontein, about 15 miles north of Kempton Park, and another was found 25 miles southeast, naked and decomposed. The acting police minister, Firoz Cachalia, confirmed the addition of a seventh body found on 7 September in Olifantsfontein.

Women’s groups and runners have expressed frustration that safety advice—such as avoiding isolated areas and exercising in groups—places the burden on victims. Advocacy group Women For Change criticised the need for a missing woman to trigger intense searches, and the broader community has called for men to take responsibility for violence against women and children.

President Cyril Ramaphosa said he had directed police to prioritise the investigations, and a suspect in the July killing, the victim’s boyfriend, is in custody. Detectives are still examining a serial killer angle, but a police spokesperson said, “For now, nothing tells us that we’ve got a serial killer.”