Police investigating murders of 9 women in South Africa neighborhood link 1 death to possible love triangle

September 21, 2026 / 12:16 PM EDT / CBS/AFP

South African police said Monday they had arrested three people over the killing of one of nine women found dead in a neighborhood east of Johannesburg in a series of murders that have alarmed the nation.

The discovery of the nine bodies in Kempton Park over two months has fueled fear and anger, as authorities investigate whether a serial killer or killers were responsible.

A man and two women were arrested over the weekend over the killing of Jabulile Ntimba, whose body was found on Sept. 17 and was the ninth victim, police said.

As in most of the cases, her body was found on the side of the road, partly clothed.

"There does appear to be an indication that her murder may have stemmed from a relationship-related matter, including what has been described as a possible love triangle," deputy police chief Tebello Mosikili said.

Gender-based violence is endemic in South Africa, despite years of government pledges to tackle the problem and even declaring it a national disaster.

The South African Police Service has issued a public warning for women to be cautious when doing activities like jogging in the area.

Original source: https://www.cbsnews.com/moneywatch/