Is a serial killer behind the burned bodies in Pretoria? Fourth victim found

Gauteng police have discovered the fourth body of a woman found burned at the Watloo train station on Stormvoel Street in Silvertondale on Monday, weeks after similar discoveries of three bodies last month.

Three other bodies were found in two separate locations in Pretoria last month.

Gauteng police spokesperson Brigadier Brenda Muridili said Silverton police were called to the scene where the fourth burned body of a woman was discovered at Watloo train station, Stormvoel Street in Silvertondale, on August 4, 2025.

The horrific discovery occurred at about 3.30pm.

“Three burned bodies were found between Watloo and Denneboom train stations between June and July 2025,” Muridili said.

She said no one has been arrested yet but the task team established to investigate the murders is working around the clock following possible leads to trace the perpetrators. 

“The team comprises seasoned detectives, crime intelligence, forensic and crime scene experts.”

“Police are appealing to anyone who might have information that can help in the investigation or assist in the apprehension of the suspects to please call the nearest police station or call crime stop on 08600 10111. Information can also be given anonymously via MySAPS App that can be downloaded from any smartphone,” Muridili added.

In a separate incident, IOL News reported on Monday that police have confirmed the two women from Mpumalanga who were torched in July have died. 

The 35-year-old man arrested for the crimes will now have his charges changed from attempted murder to murder in the Emalahlenu Magistrate’s Court. 

On Wednesday, July 23, at about 6pm, the suspect set alight the 21-year-old mother of his children and her relative, a 23-year-old woman who allegedly intervened during the incident in Vosman. 

At the time of the incident, provincial police spokesperson, Brigadier Donald Mdhluli, said the two women sustained serious burn wounds and were rushed to the hospital by a member of the community. 

The suspect was arrested at about 9pm on the same night of the crime. 

The two women, who were fighting for their lives in the hospital, died at the weekend. 

“The 21-year-old woman sadly passed away on Sunday, August 3, while the 23-year-old woman sadly succumbed to her injuries on Friday, August 1,” police said. 

He is expected to appear in court on Thursday, August 7. 

Anti-gender-based violence organisation Ilitha Labantu expressed concern over the horrific incident. 

Speaking to IOL, the organisation’s spokesperson, Siyabulela Monakali, said this tragedy is yet another painful reminder of the brutal and relentless violence that women continue to face in South Africa. 

“It is made even more devastating by the fact that such atrocities appear to escalate during Women’s Month, a time intended to honour the struggles and triumphs of women. Instead, we are confronted by acts of extreme cruelty that highlight the persistent crisis of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) in our country,” Monakali said. 

He said South Africa’s femicide rate remains five times higher than the global average. 

“These are not abstract statistics. They represent real lives lost, mothers, daughters and sisters, whose deaths often occur at the hands of those closest to them. What makes this moment particularly sad is not only the frequency of these killings but the sheer brutality with which they are carried out,” he said. 

simon.majadibodu@iol.co.za

IOL News