Nigerian Consulate Issues Safety Advisory After Eight Women Die In South Africa
The Consulate-General of Nigeria in Johannesburg has issued a safety advisory to Nigerians living in Kempton Park, Rhodesfield and surrounding areas of Ekurhuleni, following the deaths of eight women whose cases are currently being investigated by the South African Police Service (SAPS).
In the advisory dated September 16, 2026, the consulate said the deaths occurred over a period of approximately two months, prompting the deployment of a multidisciplinary investigation team comprising specialised law-enforcement personnel.
The mission said investigators had identified “concerning similarities” in some of the cases and were examining whether, and to what extent, the incidents might be connected.
However, it stressed that the SAPS had not established that the deaths were committed by a single perpetrator and had not confirmed reports suggesting the involvement of a serial killer.
“The Consulate General of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in Johannesburg wishes to draw the urgent attention of members of the Nigerian Community to serious and developing safety concerns following the deaths of eight women whose cases are currently being investigated by the South African Police Service (SAPS) in and around Ekurhuleni, east of Johannesburg.
“The deaths have occurred over approximately two months and have prompted the deployment of a multidisciplinary investigation team comprising specialised law enforcement resources,” the advisory read in part.
The consulate said the circumstances surrounding the individual cases remained under investigation but described the situation as serious enough to warrant heightened vigilance and prudent personal-safety measures.
It particularly urged Nigerian women and girls who live, work, study, exercise, socialise or regularly travel through the affected areas to take additional precautions.
The mission also referred to the wider security situation in Gauteng Province, noting that the latest SAPS quarterly crime statistics recorded 1,223 murders and 2,369 sexual offences in the province between January and March 2026.
According to the advisory, SAPS also recorded 39,094 contact crimes against persons in Gauteng during the same period.
The consulate, however, clarified that the statistics did not establish any connection between the eight deaths and any particular pattern of crime.
It advised Nigerians, especially women, to avoid walking, jogging or exercising alone in isolated, poorly lit, deserted or unfamiliar areas, including open fields and secluded pathways.
The mission also encouraged residents to exercise and travel in groups where possible, vary their routes and times of movement, and avoid repeatedly using isolated locations.
It urged Nigerians to remain alert to their surroundings and avoid prolonged use of headphones or mobile phones while walking or exercising in areas with limited visibility or pedestrian activity.
The consulate further advised residents to inform family members, friends or other trusted persons about their destination, route and expected time of return.
It cautioned Nigerians against circulating unverified photographs, names, videos, voice notes or allegations identifying purported suspects or linking unrelated incidents.
According to the mission, such actions could prejudice ongoing investigations, cause serious harm to innocent persons and undermine the work of law-enforcement authorities.
The consulate stressed that the advisory was not intended to create panic or restrict the lawful movement of Nigerians, but to ensure that members of the community were properly informed and equipped to take reasonable precautions while investigations continued.
It also emphasised that the recommended safety measures should not be interpreted as placing the responsibility for preventing violence on women or as a substitute for effective policing, investigation and accountability.
The mission described the measures as practical precautions that could help reduce exposure to immediate risks while South African authorities investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
The consulate expressed condolences to the families and loved ones of the deceased women and urged anyone with credible information that could assist the investigation to report directly to the SAPS rather than disseminating such information on social media.
It said it would continue to monitor developments and liaise with the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria and relevant South African authorities.
The advisory listed the SAPS emergency number as 10111, while Crime Stop can be reached anonymously on 08600 10111. The mobile emergency number is 112, while information can also be provided through the MySAPS application.
For Nigerians directly affected by a serious incident, the consulate provided its community line, +27627642412, and email address, cgijhb@nigerianconsulatesa.org.