R400 000 Reward Announced As Police Hunt For Answers After 8 Women Found Dead In Gauteng

A R400,000 reward has been offered for information that could help police make a breakthrough in the investigation into the deaths of women across Ekurhuleni.

Acting National Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Puleng Dimpane confirmed the reward during a high-level briefing on Tuesday, 15 September 2026. Police are appealing to anyone with credible information to come forward.

The reward comes as the investigation expands following the discovery of another woman’s body in Olifantsfontein.

Eighth body adds to Gauteng investigation

Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia confirmed that the number of women’s bodies being investigated has risen to eight.

The cases stretch across parts of Ekurhuleni, including Kempton Park, Clayville, KwaThema and Olifantsfontein. Police are examining evidence to determine whether the deaths are connected.

National police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe cautioned against drawing conclusions before detectives complete their work.

“We are still investigating whether we are dealing with one perpetrator or a group of men behind these murders.”

Police intensify hunt for answers

Police have deployed additional resources to Gauteng as investigators work through the cases.

Mathe said detectives were also considering the possibility of copycat crimes and warned that rushing the investigation could result in mistakes.

“We need to ensure that we get it right.”

Cachalia has also announced plans for an intensified police operation in Kempton Park and surrounding areas as authorities seek information that could help identify those responsible.

The investigation remains ongoing, with police yet to establish publicly whether the eight deaths were caused by one perpetrator, multiple perpetrators or unrelated incidents.