A disturbing pattern of violence against women has gripped the Gauteng suburb of Silverton, after police discovered the fourth burned body of a woman near the Watloo train station in Silvertondale on Monday afternoon.
Gauteng police spokesperson Brigadier Brenda Muridili confirmed to African Times that officers were called to the gruesome scene at approximately 15:30 on 4 August 2025, where the charred remains of an unidentified woman were found along Stormvoel Street, a stretch notorious for being poorly lit and largely deserted after dark.
The discovery follows three previous cases of burned female bodies found in the same vicinity — between Watloo and Denneboom train stations — during the months of June and July.
“This is the fourth body in just over six weeks found under eerily similar circumstances. The victims are women. All their bodies were burnt. The proximity of the locations raises serious concerns,” a source told African Times.
Although the police have not officially confirmed whether a serial killer is involved, Muridili said a specialised task team comprising seasoned detectives, forensic experts, and crime intelligence officers has been assembled and is “working around the clock” to investigate the murders.
“We are following all leads and urge anyone with information to come forward. Any small detail could help break this case,” said Brigadier Muridili.
Police are urging members of the public to assist by contacting 08600 10111 or submitting anonymous tips via the MySAPS App.
Grim Statistics: A Country at War With Its Women
The chilling discovery has reignited public outrage over gender-based violence (GBV) in South Africa — a country already dubbed by rights organisations as one of the most dangerous places in the world to be a woman.
According to Statistics South Africa, a woman is murdered every three hours in the country, which equates to approximately eight women killed every day — many by intimate partners or in violent, gendered attacks. However, femicide cases that involve serial elements or ritualistic patterns remain rare — and often signal deeper social and psychological problems, say criminologists.
In 2024, the South African Police Service (SAPS) recorded 1,346 cases of femicide, a figure experts say is likely an undercount due to underreporting and misclassification.
UN Condemns Gendered Violence
The United Nations in South Africa has repeatedly condemned the prevalence of violence against women and called on the government to implement stronger protection and prevention mechanisms. The latest UN Women report on Gender-Based Violence in South Africa warned that the country was facing a “national crisis” that required both political will and societal transformation.
“No woman should live in fear simply for existing. The patterns we are seeing — burned bodies, public dumping, no arrests — are horrific and speak to a deeper rot. This is not just crime. It’s terror targeted at women,” said Awa Ndiaye Seck, UN Women’s representative in South Africa, in a statement earlier this year.
Fear in Silverton: “We’re Not Safe”
Residents of Silverton and Mamelodi are gripped with fear. Community leaders told African Times that women and young girls have stopped using pedestrian routes near train tracks and rely on others to accompany them home after work.
“This is a war zone for women. We’re not safe anymore,” said Nomusa Mahlangu, a local activist who organises GBV awareness marches. “We demand answers from SAPS. Are they going to wait until ten more women are killed before they act?”
Police Silent on Serial Killer Possibility
When pressed by African Times about the likelihood of a serial killer operating in the area, police said they are investigating.
“The team is investigating that possibility,” Muridili told African Times.
However, criminal profiler and former SAPS psychologist Dr Gérard Labuschagne said the pattern is troubling. “Burned bodies often indicate attempts to destroy evidence. The repeated discovery of female victims in the same area, over a short time, may suggest an offender operating with intent and control — hallmarks of serial criminal behaviour.”
Call for National Task Force
Civil society organisations, including People Opposing Women Abuse (POWA) and the Commission for Gender Equality (CGE), have called for a national task force to tackle what they describe as “systemic and escalating violence.”
The Commission has urged Parliament to prioritise legislation that expedites investigations of GBV-related murders and fast-tracks convictions of perpetrators.
Conclusion
As the police continue their investigation and the community reels from yet another violent death, one thing is clear: the war on women in South Africa rages on, and unless urgent, coordinated action is taken, more lives will be lost.
For now, a killer may still be out there — and Gauteng’s women remain in the crosshairs.
