The family of 28 year old Gracious Nkomo has positively identified her as one of the women whose bodies have been discovered in the Kempton Park area, as police continue a widening investigation into the deaths of women across Ekurhuleni.
Nkomo was identified by her family on Thursday at the Germiston Mortuary.
She was the third woman whose body was discovered in the Kempton Park area on September 10, 2026. Her body was found partially clothed along the R21.
Her identification comes as Gauteng police investigate a series of cases involving women whose bodies have been discovered in and around Ekurhuleni over the past two months.
On Thursday, September 17, police also confirmed the discovery of another unidentified woman’s body in Dawn Park, bringing the total number of bodies discovered in the area during the period to nine.
Gauteng police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi confirmed that the Dawn Park discovery would be incorporated into the ongoing investigations.
“Another body of a woman has been discovered in Dawn Park. The incident will be added to the investigations into the deaths of women in Ekurhuleni,” Nevhuhulwi said.
The latest discovery has added further urgency to an investigation already involving a multidisciplinary team of police experts.
SAPS has not confirmed that the deaths are linked to a serial killer. Investigators are instead working to establish the circumstances surrounding each death, analyse available evidence and determine whether links exist between the cases.
Acting National Commissioner of SAPS Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane said investigations were progressing, with a multidisciplinary team working around the clock to establish what happened to the women 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.”
The investigation follows several discoveries of women’s bodies in the Kempton Park and wider Ekurhuleni area. Police have previously noted similarities in some of the cases, including the circumstances and locations surrounding the discoveries.
The identification of Nkomo provides investigators with an opportunity to establish more details about her movements and circumstances before her death as part of the murder investigation.
One suspect has already been arrested in connection with the discovery of the first body in July and remains in custody. SAPS has not confirmed that the suspect is linked to the other cases.
A dedicated multidisciplinary team has been mobilised to work on the investigations. The team includes specialised detectives and other policing experts tasked with examining the evidence and pursuing possible connections between the cases.
Police have also intensified operations in Kempton Park and surrounding areas and are urging residents to remain vigilant.
Community members who may have information that could assist investigators are urged to come forward.
Information can be provided to the SAPS Crime Stop line on 08600 10111 or anonymously through the MySAPS App.
SAPS has assured the families of the victims and the wider community that investigations into the deaths remain a priority.
With nine women’s bodies now discovered in Ekurhuleni over approximately two months, investigators face the task of determining whether the cases share a common perpetrator or whether they involve separate circumstances.
That question remains unresolved as the investigation continues.