Generals Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi and Dumisani Khumalo Join Ekurhuleni Murder Probe, 3 Suspects Questioned

• Lieutenant-Generals Dumisani Khumalo and Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi have been brought in to assist with the Ekurhuleni serial murder investigations
• Nine women were found murdered across Ekurhuleni within two months, with bodies dumped near roads and rivers across at least four locations
• Acting Police Minister Professor Firoz Cachalia also confirmed that some suspects have been taken in for questioning as investigations continue

Byron Pillay, a Briefly News journalist, has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He worked as a newspaper journalist for 10 years before transitioning to online.

GAUTENG — Lieutenant-Generals Dumisani Khumalo and Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi have been brought in to assist with the investigation into a series of murders of women across Ekurhuleni.

The case has drawn high-level police attention following the discovery of nine bodies over roughly two months. Nine women were found murdered across Ekurhuleni within two months, with the bodies dumped either on the side of roads or near and sometimes in rivers. The bodies were recovered in at least four locations: five in Kempton Park, two in Olifantsfontein, one in KwaThema, and one in Dawn Park.

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All nine victims were found partially dressed, and some bore signs of sexual assault. Some have been positively identified by family members or friends.

Minister confirms suspects are being questioned

Speaking at a special press briefing on 20 September 2026, Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia confirmed that investigations are continuing. He also noted that three suspects had been taken in for questioning in connection with the killings.

Previously, the South African Police Service indicated that it had identified three people in connection with the murders.

Minister tells South African men to stop murdering women

Briefly News reported that Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga addressed South African men directly at a government memorial in Ekurhuleni.

The memorial was held to mourn nine women killed in a wave of gender-based violence within the space of two months.

Chikunga's remarks that South African men are responsible prompted fierce online pushback, with many rejecting her framing of the crisis.

Source: Briefly News