The Nigerian Consulate-General in Johannesburg has issued a safety advisory to Nigerians living in Kempton Park, Rhodesfield and other parts of Ekurhuleni, following the deaths of eight women in the area.

The consulate said the deaths, which occurred over a period of about two months, are currently being investigated by the South African Police Service (SAPS).

In an advisory dated September 16, 2026, the Nigerian mission said a multidisciplinary investigation team involving specialised law-enforcement personnel had been deployed to investigate the cases.

The consulate said investigators had identified “concerning similarities” in some of the incidents and were examining whether the deaths could be connected.

However, it stressed that SAPS had not established that the deaths were linked to a single perpetrator or confirmed the involvement of a serial killer.

According to the mission, the circumstances surrounding each death remain under investigation, but the incidents were serious enough to warrant heightened vigilance and prudent personal-safety measures.

The advisory particularly urged Nigerian women and girls living, working, studying, exercising, socialising or travelling regularly through the affected areas to take additional precautions.

Consulate urges Nigerians to avoid isolated areasThe Nigerian Consulate advised residents to avoid walking, jogging or exercising alone in isolated, poorly lit, deserted or unfamiliar locations, including open fields and secluded pathways.

It also urged Nigerians to exercise and travel in groups where possible, vary their routes and schedules, and avoid repeatedly visiting isolated areas.

Residents were further advised to remain alert to their surroundings and limit prolonged use of headphones or mobile phones when walking or exercising in areas with poor visibility or limited pedestrian activity.

The mission also encouraged Nigerians to inform family members, friends or other trusted persons about their destination, route and expected return time.

Gauteng crime figures raise concern

The consulate said its concern was informed by the recent incidents as well as the wider crime situation in Gauteng Province.

It cited the latest SAPS quarterly crime statistics, which recorded 1,223 murders and 2,369 sexual offences in Gauteng between January and March 2026.

During the same period, SAPS recorded 39,094 contact crimes against persons in the province.However, the Nigerian mission clarified that the statistics did not establish any connection between the eight deaths and a particular crime pattern.

Nigerians warned against spreading unverified claimsThe consulate also cautioned Nigerians against circulating unverified photographs, names, videos, voice notes or allegations identifying suspected perpetrators or linking unrelated incidents.

It said such actions could prejudice ongoing investigations, cause harm to innocent people and undermine the work of law-enforcement agencies.

The mission stressed that the advisory was not intended to create panic or restrict the lawful movement of Nigerians.

Rather, it said the measures were aimed at ensuring that members of the Nigerian community were informed and able to take reasonable precautions while investigations continued.

The consulate also emphasised that the safety advice should not be interpreted as placing responsibility for preventing violence on women or as a replacement for effective policing, investigation and accountability.

Consulate expresses condolencesThe Nigerian mission expressed condolences to the families and loved ones of the deceased women.It urged anyone with credible information that could assist the investigation to report directly to SAPS instead of sharing such information on social media.

The consulate said it would continue to monitor developments and liaise with the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria and relevant South African authorities.For emergencies, SAPS can be reached on 10111, while anonymous information can be reported through Crime Stop on 08600 10111.

The mobile emergency number is 112.Nigerians can also use the MySAPS application to provide information.

For Nigerians directly affected by a serious incident, the Nigerian Consulate-General in Johannesburg provided its community line, +27 62 764 2412, and email address, cgijhb@nigerianconsulatesa.org.