NIGERIAN CONSULATE WARNS CITIZENS AFTER EIGHT WOMEN DIE IN SOUTH AFRICA
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By:Aminat Tajudeen
The Consulate-General of Nigeria in Johannesburg has advised Nigerians residing in Kempton Park, Rhodesfield and neighbouring areas of Ekurhuleni to exercise increased caution following the deaths of eight women currently being investigated by the South African Police Service.
In a safety advisory dated September 16, 2026, the consulate said the deaths occurred over a period of about two months, prompting South African authorities to deploy a multidisciplinary team equipped with specialised law-enforcement resources to investigate the cases.
The mission said investigators had observed “concerning similarities” in some of the incidents and were examining whether there was any connection between them.
However, it stressed that the South African Police Service 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 case remained under investigation but were serious enough to warrant heightened vigilance and reasonable personal-safety precautions, particularly among Nigerian women and girls who live, work, study, exercise, socialise or frequently travel through the affected areas.
It also cited the wider security situation in Gauteng Province as part of the reason for the advisory. According to the latest SAPS quarterly crime statistics, 1,223 murders and 2,369 sexual offences were recorded in Gauteng between January and March 2026, alongside 39,094 contact crimes against persons.
The mission clarified, however, that the statistics did not establish any connection between the eight deaths and a specific crime pattern.
The consulate urged Nigerians, particularly women, to avoid walking, jogging or exercising alone in isolated, poorly lit, deserted or unfamiliar locations, including open fields and secluded pathways.
It advised residents to travel or exercise in groups where possible, vary their routes and schedules, and avoid repeatedly visiting isolated areas.
Nigerians were also encouraged to remain alert to their surroundings and limit prolonged use of headphones or mobile phones while walking or exercising in areas with poor visibility or limited pedestrian activity.
The mission further advised community members to inform relatives, friends or trusted persons about their destination, route and expected return time.
It warned Nigerians against sharing unverified photographs, names, videos, voice notes or allegations purporting to identify suspects or link unrelated incidents.
According to the consulate, such actions could interfere with ongoing investigations, expose innocent people to harm and hinder the work of law-enforcement authorities.
The mission emphasised that the advisory was not intended to cause panic or restrict Nigerians’ lawful movement, but to ensure that members of the community remained informed and took reasonable precautions while investigations continued.
It added that the recommended safety measures should not be interpreted as shifting responsibility for preventing violence onto women or as a replacement for effective policing, investigation and accountability.
The consulate expressed condolences to the families and loved ones of the deceased women and urged anyone with credible information that could assist investigators to report directly to the SAPS rather than posting such information on social media.
It said it would continue monitoring developments and maintain communication with the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria and relevant South African authorities.
The SAPS emergency number is 10111, while Crime Stop can be reached anonymously on 08600 10111. The mobile emergency number is 112, and information can also be submitted through the MySAPS application.
Nigerians directly affected by a serious incident can contact the consulate’s community line on +27 62 764 2412 or via email at cgijhb@nigerianconsulatesa.org.
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