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

Authorities found the bodies of several women in and around Johannesburg's OR Tambo international airport area over the past weeks. The Guardian report describes at least eight bodies discovered across Kempton Park, Olifantsfontein and a location to the south-east of the airport. Some victims were found half-naked or naked, with visible bruising, and one had been decomposed when found.

A high-profile case that catalysed public attention involved Elizabeth "Tsontso" Moselakgomo, a 38-year-old mother who disappeared after going for a run on 9 September. Her disappearance went viral. Her body was found and later identified by relatives. Runners' groups and friends organised memorial events in her memory.

Official safety advice issued to women in Kempton Park included warnings not to walk or run alone, to avoid isolated areas, and to travel or exercise in groups where possible. Many women and campaigners rejected that guidance as misplaced.

Public reaction and demands for action

Campaigners and community leaders called on men to take responsibility for violence against women. Sonke Gender Justice co-executive director Bafana Khumalo said men often look the other way and urged men to hold each other accountable.

Context on gender-based violence in South Africa

South Africa has one of the highest femicide rates globally. The UN Office on Drugs and Crime found women were killed at a rate of 12.2 per 100,000 people in 2022, nearly six times the global rate. For years women and campaign groups have demanded that the government treat gender-based violence as a priority. President Cyril Ramaphosa declared gender-based violence a national crisis in November 2025 after mass protests, but campaigners have said a clear, concrete national plan and visible action remain lacking.

Police priorities and the outcome of specialist investigations will determine whether these deaths are linked. Any development—arrests, forensic conclusions, or a confirmed pattern—will shape whether authorities treat the cases as isolated crimes or part of a broader criminal pattern. Public pressure, memorial events, and ongoing advocacy could influence political attention and resource allocation to investigations and wider prevention efforts.

The discovery of multiple women's bodies near Johannesburg's main airport has reanimated widespread frustration with how gender-based violence is handled in South Africa. Families, running groups and advocacy organisations say existing responses are inadequate and insist that responsibility for preventing murders cannot be placed on potential victims alone. Authorities say specialist teams are investigating while warning women to avoid isolated areas.