The Consulate-General of Nigeria in Johannesburg has issued a safety advisory to Nigerians living in and travelling through parts of South Africa following the deaths of eight women in the Ekurhuleni area, east of Johannesburg.
The advisory, dated September 16, 2026, identified Kempton Park, Rhodesfield and surrounding areas as locations where Nigerians, particularly women and girls, should exercise increased caution while South African authorities investigate the deaths.
According to the consulate, the deaths occurred over a period of about two months and have prompted the South African Police Service (SAPS) to deploy a multidisciplinary team of specialised investigators.
The Nigerian mission said investigators had identified similarities in some of the cases and were examining whether the incidents could be connected. However, it stressed that SAPS had not established that the deaths were linked to a single perpetrator or confirmed reports of a serial killer.
The consulate said the circumstances surrounding each death remained under investigation but described the situation as serious enough to warrant heightened vigilance, particularly among Nigerian women who live, work, study, exercise or regularly travel through the affected areas.
Nigerians were advised to avoid walking, jogging or exercising alone in isolated, poorly lit or unfamiliar locations, including secluded pathways and open fields.
The mission also recommended travelling and exercising in groups where possible, varying regular routes and schedules, and avoiding repeated use of isolated locations.
Residents were further advised to remain aware of their surroundings and limit prolonged use of headphones or mobile phones when walking or exercising in areas with limited visibility or pedestrian activity.
The consulate urged Nigerians to inform family members, friends or other trusted contacts about their destination, planned route and expected time of return.
It also warned against sharing unverified photographs, names, videos, voice notes or allegations identifying supposed suspects, saying such material could interfere with investigations and potentially harm innocent people.
The advisory comes against the backdrop of wider concerns over violent crime in Gauteng Province. The consulate cited SAPS statistics showing that 1,223 murders, 2,369 sexual offences and 39,094 contact crimes against persons were recorded in the province between January and March 2026.
However, the mission stressed that those statistics did not establish any connection between the eight women’s deaths and a particular crime pattern.
The consulate said the safety measures were not intended to create panic or restrict Nigerians’ lawful movement. Rather, they were described as practical precautions intended to reduce exposure to immediate risks while investigations continue.
It also stressed that the advice should not be interpreted as placing responsibility for preventing violence on women or as a replacement for effective policing and accountability.
The Nigerian mission expressed condolences to the families of the deceased women and urged anyone with credible information that could assist investigators to report directly to SAPS rather than circulate claims on social media.
Nigerians in need of emergency assistance can contact SAPS on 10111, Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or use 112 for mobile emergencies. The consulate also provided its community line, +27 62 764 2412, for Nigerians directly affected by serious incidents.
The consulate said it would continue monitoring the investigation and maintain contact with the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria and relevant South African authorities.
