The Consulate-General of Nigeria in Johannesburg has issued a safety advisory to Nigerians living in and around Ekurhuleni, east of Johannesburg, following the deaths of eight women whose cases are currently being investigated by the South African Police Service (SAPS).
The advisory, dated September 16, 2026, specifically covers communities including Kempton Park and Rhodesfield. According to the consulate, the deaths occurred over approximately two months and have prompted the deployment of a multidisciplinary investigation team comprising specialised law-enforcement personnel.
Police Investigating Possible Links
The Nigerian 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, the consulate stressed that SAPS had not established that a single perpetrator was responsible for the deaths, nor had it confirmed reports of a serial killer.
The circumstances surrounding each death therefore remain under investigation, with authorities working to establish the facts and determine whether there is any connection between the cases. The consulate urged Nigerians to avoid spreading unverified information that could interfere with the investigation.
Warning to Nigerian Women
Despite the absence of a confirmed link between the deaths, the consulate said the situation was serious enough to warrant heightened vigilance, particularly among Nigerian women and girls who live, work, study, exercise, socialise or regularly travel through the affected communities.
The mission advised Nigerians to avoid walking, jogging or exercising alone in isolated, poorly lit, deserted or unfamiliar locations, including open fields and secluded pathways.
It also encouraged residents to travel or exercise in groups whenever possible, vary their routes and schedules, and avoid repeatedly using isolated locations.
Nigerians were further advised to remain conscious of their surroundings and avoid prolonged use of headphones or mobile phones when walking or exercising in areas with limited visibility or pedestrian activity.
The consulate also recommended that residents inform family members, friends or other trusted people about their destination, route and expected time of return.
Broader Crime Concerns
The mission said its concern was informed not only by the recent deaths but also by the wider security situation in Gauteng Province.
Citing the latest SAPS quarterly crime statistics, the consulate said Gauteng recorded 1,223 murders and 2,369 sexual offences between January and March 2026. During the same period, 39,094 contact crimes against persons were recorded in the province.
However, it clarified that the statistics did not establish any connection between the eight deaths and a particular crime pattern.
The advisory was therefore presented as a precautionary measure rather than a declaration that the deaths were part of a confirmed coordinated attack.
Consulate Warns Against False Information
The Nigerian mission also warned members of the community against circulating unverified photographs, names, videos, voice notes or allegations identifying purported suspects.
It said such information could prejudice ongoing investigations, cause serious harm to innocent people and undermine the work of law-enforcement authorities.
The consulate stressed that its advisory was not intended to create panic or restrict the lawful movement of Nigerians in South Africa. Rather, it said the measures were meant to help residents take reasonable precautions while the authorities establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
The mission also emphasised that the responsibility for preventing violence should not be placed on women and that personal-safety precautions were not a substitute for effective policing, investigation and accountability.
Nigerians Urged to Report Information
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 SAPS rather than sharing such information on social media.
Nigerians requiring emergency assistance can contact SAPS on 10111, Crime Stop on 08600 10111, or the mobile emergency number 112. Information can also be submitted through the MySAPS application.
The consulate said Nigerians directly affected by a serious incident could contact its community line on +27 62 764 2412 or through its official email.
The mission added that it would continue monitoring developments and liaising with Nigeria’s High Commission in Pretoria and relevant South African authorities as investigations continue.