Nigeria issues security advisory to citizens in South Africa, as police discover another dead woman

The Nigerian Consulate-General in Johannesburg has issued a safety advisory for Nigerians living in affected areas following a string of unresolved deaths of women in South Africa. Over the past two months, eight women had been reported missing and found dead in and around Ekurhuleni, a city east of Johannesburg, where the South African Police Service (SAPS) is conducting an investigation.

A multidisciplinary team of law-enforcement resources has been deployed to examine if the cases are connected. Although the SAPS has not confirmed a single perpetrator or serial killer involvement, the latest discovery raises the total number of bodies recovered to nine. One victim, Elizabeth Moselakgomo, disappeared while jogging and was found dead behind a hotel on September 12.

The consulate urged Nigerians, especially women and girls, living, working, studying, exercising, socialising, or travelling through Kempton Park, Rhodesfield, and surrounding areas to exercise heightened vigilance. They were advised to avoid walking or jogging alone in isolated, poorly lit, deserted, or unfamiliar areas and to travel and exercise in groups when possible.

The consul also cautioned Nigerians against sharing unverified information that could prejudice the ongoing investigation. The consulate emphasized that the advisory was not intended to create panic or limit lawful movement but to inform the community and help them take reasonable precautions during the investigation.