By FORTUNE ABANG

Nigeria’s Consulate-General in Johannesburg has expressed concern over the safety of Nigerians following the deaths of eight women whose cases are being investigated by South African authorities.

The deaths, reportedly occurring over the past two months in and around Ekurhuleni, east of Johannesburg, prompted the deployment of a multidisciplinary investigation team comprising specialised law-enforcement agencies.

This is contained in a safety advisory issued on Thursday by Nigeria’s Consul-General in Johannesburg, Amb. Ninikanwa Okey-Uche, to Nigerians in Kempton Park, Rhodesfield and surrounding areas of Ekurhuleni.

Okey-Uche said investigative reports had identified similarities in some of the cases under review, with authorities examining whether, and to what extent, the incidents might be connected.

According to her, the South African Police Service (SAPS) has not established that the deaths were committed by a single perpetrator, nor confirmed the involvement of a serial killer.

Okey-Uche said, “The Consulate considers the circumstances sufficiently serious to warrant heightened vigilance and prudent personal-safety measures, particularly among Nigerian women and girls.

“Specifically, those who live, work, study, exercise, socialise or regularly travel through Kempton Park, Rhodesfield and surrounding areas of Ekurhuleni.

“The Consulate’s concern is informed by both the recent string of incidents, and the broader crime environment in Gauteng Province.”

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

She added that SAPS recorded 39,094 contact crimes against persons in the province during the same period, describing the figures as important context on violent and sexual crime.

The consul-general, however, emphasised that the statistics did not establish that the eight deaths under investigation were connected to one another or any particular pattern of crime.

She said the circumstances surrounding the individual cases remained subject to investigation, adding that SAPS had urged women in affected areas to exercise extreme caution.

“SAPS has itself issued a public warning urging women in the affected areas to exercise extreme caution, particularly when walking or exercising alone in isolated locations,” she added.

Okey-Uche advised Nigerians, particularly women, to avoid walking, jogging or exercising alone in isolated, poorly lit, deserted or unfamiliar areas.

She specifically identified open fields, secluded pathways and areas with limited pedestrian activity as locations where Nigerians should exercise increased caution.

She urged Nigerians to report information directly to relevant authorities through SAPS Emergency on 10111, Crime Stop on 08600 10111, Mobile Emergency Number 112 or the MySAPS application.

The consul-general emphasised that in immediate life-threatening situations, Nigerians should move to a safe and populated location and contact emergency services without delay.

“Where a Nigerian national is directly affected by a serious incident, the Consulate should also be notified through its established Consulate and Community line: +27627642412 or email: cgihb@nigerianconsulatesa.org.”

She assured Nigerians that the Consulate would continue monitoring developments and liaising, as appropriate, with Nigeria’s High Commission in Pretoria and relevant South African authorities.

Okey-Uche also expressed condolences to the families and loved ones of the women who lost their lives, extending solidarity to communities affected by the tragic incidents. (NAN)