The South African Police Service has warned Gauteng residents not to circulate unverified suspect photographs linked to the murders of nine women in Ekurhuleni, saying it has not released any official wanted posters or identikits. The warning, issued on Friday, 18 September 2026, comes as investigators examine the deaths and social media users circulate images alleging that certain individuals are involved. By Monday, 21 September, police had also arrested three suspects in connection with the murder of Gracious Nkomo in Dawn Park, while a separate discovery of a woman’s body in Soweto remained under investigation.
Police have urged residents to rely on official information and report potential evidence directly to investigators rather than sharing unverified allegations online.
ALSO READ: Gauteng e Panic Button: How to Use the App and Where to Buy Personal Safety Kits
SAPS Says No Official Suspect Photos Have Been Released
In its warning on Friday evening, SAPS said photographs and posters circulating on social media should not be treated as official police notices.
The police confirmed that it had not released an identikit, wanted poster or photograph identifying suspects in connection with the cases.
The warning followed the circulation of purported police notices identifying individuals as persons of interest.
According to SAPS, sharing unverified photographs could result in innocent people being wrongly identified, harassed or targeted.
Police said they would communicate through official channels if investigators positively identified a suspect and required assistance from the public.
The warning remains relevant despite subsequent arrests in one of the murder cases. An arrest does not establish guilt, and police have not announced that all nine investigations are connected.
Three Suspects Arrested in Dawn Park Murder Case
On Monday, 21 September, Gauteng police announced the arrest of three suspects in connection with the murder of 28 year old Gracious Nkomo.
Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said the suspects, comprising one man and two women, were arrested over the weekend by members of the Gauteng Murder and Robbery Unit.
The three were expected to appear in the Boksburg Magistrates’ Court on Monday.
Nkomo’s body was discovered in Dawn Park during the previous week. Her family subsequently identified her at the Germiston Mortuary.
The arrests relate specifically to Nkomo’s murder. Police have not confirmed that the suspects are responsible for the other deaths under investigation.
Further details about the allegations and the suspects’ involvement are expected to emerge through court proceedings.
Police Continue Investigating Nine Women’s Deaths
The discovery of women’s bodies in different parts of Ekurhuleni has raised questions about whether some of the cases are connected.
The nine deaths under investigation include cases reported in Kempton Park, Olifantsfontein, Kwa Thema and Dawn Park.
Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia previously said investigators had not conclusively established that a serial killer was responsible.
He explained that the cases did not necessarily share the same circumstances or motives, although investigators had not excluded possible connections.
Police have therefore not established that one person or group committed all nine murders.
Acting National Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane said investigators were pursuing available leads and treating the cases as a priority.
The arrests in Dawn Park represent a development in one investigation, but they do not resolve the circumstances surrounding the remaining deaths.
Woman’s Body Found in Soweto as Separate Inquest Opens
A further discovery was reported in Soweto on Sunday, 20 September, when a woman’s body was found in a dam in Moroka.
Gauteng police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi said the body was discovered at approximately 17:00.
The woman, believed to have been in her twenties, was found wrapped in a duvet.
Police opened an inquest to establish the circumstances surrounding her death.
Although the discovery has been discussed alongside the nine Ekurhuleni cases, police have not confirmed any connection between the Soweto incident and those murders.
The cause of death and the woman’s identity had not been established in the information released at the time.
The Soweto discovery should therefore be treated as a separate investigation unless police confirm otherwise.
Why Sharing Unverified Suspect Photos Is a Concern
The circulation of photographs identifying alleged suspects can affect people who have not been linked to a crime through verified police information.
SAPS has warned that individuals may face harassment or threats when their photographs are shared alongside unsupported allegations.
Unverified posts can also create confusion about which information has been confirmed by investigators.
Residents should distinguish between an official police appeal and a social media post that merely uses police branding or claims to identify a suspect.
A photograph accompanied by a SAPS logo does not automatically mean the police issued it.
The police have asked members of the public to rely on their official communication channels for updates about the investigations.
People with information that could assist detectives should report it directly rather than publishing allegations about individuals online.
Rewards Offered for Information
Police have offered a reward of R400 000 for information that could lead to a breakthrough in the Ekurhuleni investigations.
A separate R500 000 reward has also been announced by the Democratic Alliance for information leading to the successful criminal prosecution of those responsible.
The two rewards have different stated conditions and should not be treated as a single police reward.
Anyone with information should confirm the relevant requirements with the organisation offering the reward.
Residents can provide information to SAPS through their nearest police station, Crime Stop or the MySAPS App.
The police Crime Stop number is 08600 10111.
Information that could help establish the identity of victims, reconstruct events or identify those responsible should be passed to investigators.
What This Means for Gauteng Residents
The police warning affects residents across Gauteng, particularly those receiving or sharing information about the Ekurhuleni murders through WhatsApp, Facebook and other social media platforms.
The arrests in Dawn Park provide an update in one case, but investigations into the wider group of deaths remain ongoing.
Residents should avoid sharing photographs that accuse individuals of involvement unless the information has been officially released and verified.
Anyone who recognises potentially relevant information should contact police rather than confront a person identified in an online post.
The separate Soweto discovery also requires careful reporting. Police have not established that it is linked to the Ekurhuleni murders.
Keeping these distinctions clear helps residents understand what investigators have confirmed and what remains unresolved.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have police released suspect photos for the Ekurhuleni murders?
No. SAPS said on 18 September that it had not issued an official identikit, wanted poster or suspect photograph in connection with the cases.
Have any suspects been arrested?
Yes. Police announced on 21 September that one man and two women had been arrested in connection with Gracious Nkomo’s murder in Dawn Park. The arrests do not establish guilt.
Are all nine Ekurhuleni murders connected?
Police have not confirmed that the cases are linked. Investigators are examining the circumstances of each death and possible connections.
Is the woman found in Soweto linked to the Ekurhuleni murders?
No connection had been confirmed as of 21 September. Police opened a separate inquest after her body was found in Moroka.
How can residents report information?
Residents can contact their nearest police station, call Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or use the MySAPS App.
Police Urge Residents to Share Information Responsibly
The investigation into the nine women’s deaths continues as three suspects face proceedings in connection with the Dawn Park case.
Police have also opened a separate inquest following the discovery of a woman’s body in Soweto.
SAPS has reiterated that residents should not circulate unverified suspect photographs or treat social media allegations as confirmed police information.
Anyone with evidence that could assist investigators is encouraged to report it directly through official police channels.
