The family of 28-year-old Gracious Nkomo has identified her as the third woman whose body was discovered along the R21 in Kempton Park last week.
Nkomo was one of several women whose bodies were found in the Kempton Park area on September 10, 2026, prompting intensified police investigations and operations in the area.
According to the South African Police Service (SAPS) police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe, Nkomo’s body was discovered partially clothed.
Mathe said her family positively identified her at the Germiston Mortuary on Thursday.
Her identification comes the same day as another woman’s body was found in Ekurhuleni, raising the body count to nine.
Gauteng acting provincial commissioner Major General Fred Kekana told the media that the latest body was found in Dawn Park, Ekurhuleni.
He said preliminary investigations indicated that the woman’s remains had been dumped there.
Police are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding her death, along with the other murders involving women whose bodies have been found in the area.
Multidisciplinary team investigating
Acting National Commissioner of SAPS, Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane, said a multidisciplinary team of investigators was working to establish what happened to the victims and identify those responsible.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Gracious Nkomo during this extremely difficult time,” Dimpane said.
“Our investigators remain seized with these cases, and we will continue to pursue every available lead to ensure that those responsible for these murders are brought to justice.”
SAPS said investigations into the murders remain ongoing, while policing operations in Kempton Park have been intensified.
Police have urged anyone with information that could assist investigators to come forward.
sinenhlanhla.masilela@iol.co.za
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