'We cannot keep picking up bodies like this': Police respond to Ekurhuleni killings

'We cannot keep picking up bodies like this': Police respond to Ekurhuleni killings bombeleni_temp Thu, 09/17/2026 - 12:40

BOKSBURG - ‘We cannot keep picking up bodies like this,’ says Deputy National Police Commissioner Tebello Mosikili.

This comes after another woman’s body, covered in a sheet, was discovered in Dawn Park, Boksburg, on Thursday.

**READ: **'We will push back', says Lesufi as ninth woman's body found in Ekurhuleni

The discovery brings to nine the number of bodies found in the East Rand since July.

Four bodies of partially clothed women were found in Rhodesfield, Kempton Park, between 17 July and 12 September.

On Monday, another body was found in Olifantsfontein. On Tuesday, a decomposing body was discovered outside a clinic in Kwa-Thema.

**READ: **Ninth woman's body found in Ekurhuleni's Dawn Park

A seventh body was found in a stream in Clayville, Tembisa, near the Mall of Tembisa. Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia later announced that another body had been discovered in Olifantsfontein.

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has vowed that authorities will fight back against the violence.

“Someone has declared war against us and we will push back,” Lesufi said.

“We’re not going to surrender. They have declared war and we have to return it. The state has the capacity,” he added.

Ekurhuleni Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza has called on men across the metro to stand up and take action against violence towards women.

“No woman should lose her life while men stand and watch,” he said.

Xhakaza also said the municipality would not negotiate with perpetrators.

“Harsh sentences must be handed to these criminals,” he added.

**READ: **Seasoned investigators brought in to probe deaths of eight Ekurhuleni women

Police have announced a R400,000 reward for information relating to the murders.

Mosikili has urged communities not to be motivated by the financial reward, but by a sense of humanity and responsibility.

“That information needs to come in as soon as possible,” she said.

Mosikili says police are working to increase resources to accelerate investigations into the murders.