The Consulate-General of Nigeria in Johannesburg has issued a safety advisory to Nigerians living in Kempton Park, Rhodesfield and surrounding areas of Ekurhuleni, following the deaths of eight women currently being investigated by the South African Police Service, SAPS.

In an advisory dated September 16, 2026, the consulate said the deaths occurred over approximately two months and had prompted the deployment of a multidisciplinary investigation team involving specialised law-enforcement units.

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

However, the consulate stressed that SAPS had not established that the deaths were caused by a single perpetrator or confirmed reports of a serial killer.

The Nigerian mission said the circumstances surrounding the individual cases remained under investigation but were serious enough to warrant “heightened vigilance and prudent personal-safety measures”, particularly among Nigerian women and girls living, working, studying or regularly travelling through the affected areas.

The advisory also cited SAPS crime statistics, which recorded 1,223 murders, 2,369 sexual offences and 39,094 contact crimes against persons in Gauteng between January and March 2026.

The consulate, however, clarified that the statistics did not establish a connection between the eight deaths and any particular crime pattern.

Nigerians were advised to avoid walking, jogging or exercising alone in isolated, poorly lit or unfamiliar locations, and to travel or exercise in groups where possible.

The mission also urged residents to vary their routes and schedules, remain alert to their surroundings and avoid prolonged use of headphones or mobile phones when moving through areas with limited visibility or pedestrian activity.

Nigerians were further advised to inform trusted persons about their destinations, routes and expected return times.

The consulate cautioned against circulating unverified photographs, names, videos, voice notes or allegations identifying suspected perpetrators, warning that such information could prejudice investigations and harm innocent people.

It stressed that the advisory was not intended to cause panic or restrict the lawful movement of Nigerians, but to encourage reasonable precautions while investigations continue.

The mission also emphasised that the safety advice should not be interpreted as shifting responsibility for preventing violence onto women, noting that effective policing, investigation and accountability remained essential.

The consulate expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and urged anyone with credible information to report directly to SAPS rather than sharing it on social media.

It said it would continue monitoring the situation and liaising with the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria and relevant South African authorities.

For emergencies, Nigerians can contact SAPS on 10111, Crime Stop on 08600 10111, or 112 from a mobile phone. The consulate’s community line is +27 62 764 2412.