“We’re Terrified”: SA Reacts to US Woman Speaking Up About 9 Murdered Women in Ekurhuleni Area

• American TikToker @mshellly shared a detailed video after waking up to over 60 DMs from South African followers about the killings
• The Ekurhuleni deaths share disturbing commonalities, including victims found unclothed in open fields with signs of assault
• South Africans praised the creator for bringing international attention to the case, saying the government only acts when the world is watching

A US content creator took to TikTok on 17 September 2026 to raise the alarm about a series of murders in Ekurhuleni that have left South African women terrified. TikTok user @mshellly said she woke up to more than 60 direct messages from South African followers urging her to cover the story, and she did not hesitate.

In the video, she revealed that the body count had risen from five to nine victims over a span of just two months. The case first came to light in mid-July with the discovery of a 38-year-old unclothed woman whose hands had been cable-tied. Her boyfriend was arrested but released without formal charges.

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Disturbing pattern emerges in Kempton Park

Since then, several other women have gone missing or been found dead in the Kempton Park area. Among those mentioned was Elizabeth, a 38-year-old mother and keen runner. The victims, aged between 20 and 38, share striking commonalities: most were found partially or fully unclothed in open fields or along roadsides, showed signs of assault, and were in advanced states of decomposition. TikTok user @mshellly suggested the state of the bodies could indicate the killer is storing them in warm conditions before dumping them in nearby locations.

She also highlighted the harrowing story of a 34-year-old woman who managed to escape after being abducted during a ride-share trip, drugged and assaulted in Kempton Park. Despite the mounting evidence, she voiced frustration at official police statements that have downplayed the possibility of a serial killer operating in the area, all while South Africa continues to record some of the world's highest femicide rates.

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Watch the TikTok video that sparked a massive conversation online below:

Mzansi thanks creator for shining a light

The overwhelming response from South Africans made clear that many feel unheard at home and see international coverage as one of the few tools left to pressure authorities into action. South Africans flooded the comments section, grateful that the story had reached an international audience:

@ituvTanks said:

"The more international this goes, the better. Our government only takes us seriously when they are embarrassed."

@Marie Maca wrote:

"This should be worldwide news!"

@Ava shared:

"As a South African, thank you. We've been told to 'avoid being murdered'."

@Bubu added:

"We are terrified as South African women 🇿🇦❤️"

@Nazeefah Ahmed said:

"As a South African who watches your content regularly, because you have such a compassionate way of telling stories, thank you for sharing and raising awareness 💙."

@Kekes noted:

"Response from our government on what we, as women, need to do to keep ourselves safe since this started 💙🧡❤️."

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3 Briefly News articles about Ekurhuleni murders

• Spiritual medium Thabi shared TikTok visions from a channelling session about the Ekurhuleni murder suspect and potential evidence, urging police to use DNA testing to help bring closure to grieving families.
• Briefly News reported that human rights activist Sihle Sibisi confronted late-arriving ANC officials at a Kempton Park victims' memorial, accusing them of using gender-based violence for political gain.
• US media house LiveNOW from FOX reported on the growing concerns over a potential serial killer in Ekurhuleni following the discovery of multiple women's bodies in the area.

Source: Briefly News