EKURHULENI – The discovery of the bodies of eight women in and around Ekurhuleni, Gauteng, has heightened fears among residents, while police continue investigating whether the deaths are linked.
The latest body was reportedly discovered near the R21 in the Kempton Park area. Although speculation has emerged that a serial killer may be responsible, police have not confirmed that a serial killer is operating in the area.
Investigators are examining whether the cases involve a single perpetrator, multiple suspects or unrelated incidents. A multidisciplinary task team has been established to investigate possible links between the deaths.
A victim profile has not yet been released, and only some of the victims had been identified when initial reports emerged.
Police offer R400 000 reward
The South African Police Service (SAPS) has offered a R400 000 reward for information that could lead to the apprehension of the wanted suspect or suspects, or provide a breakthrough in the investigation.
Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia said the deaths should not be in vain and described gender-based violence as a serious scourge.
“The challenge is ahead of us and the deaths of these young women must not be in vain,” Cachalia said
He acknowledged that South Africa remained a violent society and expressed the hope that women would one day be able to live safely.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has also pledged that every effort will be made to solve the killings. He acknowledged that the incidents were causing fear and uncertainty, particularly among women.
DA announces separate R500 000 reward
The Democratic Alliance (DA) announced a separate R500 000 reward on Wednesday, 16 September, for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person responsible for the deaths of multiple women in Kempton Park and surrounding areas.
Khathutshelo Rasilingwane, the DA’s mayoral candidate for Ekurhuleni, said the reward was intended to supplement law enforcement efforts already under way.
The announcement came as police continued investigating the deaths of eight women whose bodies had been discovered across the municipality since July.
Timeline of reported discoveries
According to information released by police, the first victim, a 37-year-old woman, was found naked and bound with cable ties on 15 July. A suspect was arrested two days later in connection with that murder.
A second woman, aged 32, was found partially clothed on 24 August. A third woman was discovered naked and in an advanced state of decomposition on 10 September.
Police later confirmed that eight bodies had been found. One suspect has been arrested in connection with one of the July murders, while investigators are also pursuing a person of interest.
One of the identified victims was Elizabeth Moselakgomo, 38, who reportedly left her eight-year-old daughter at home to go jogging and did not return. Her body was discovered behind a hotel on 12 September.
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Her disappearance attracted widespread attention after fellow runners launched a social media campaign to help locate her. The campaign also renewed public scrutiny of earlier cases and subsequent discoveries.
Several of the bodies were reportedly found partially clothed or naked and showing signs of violence. However, these details do not, on their own, establish that the deaths were committed by the same person.
SAPS warns against Potchefstroom social media claims
Meanwhile, SAPS in the North West has cautioned the public against a message circulating on social media alleging that a suspect described as the “Kempton Park Serial Killer” had relocated to Potchefstroom.
The message reportedly claims that a major police operation, involving a mobile command centre, drones and specialised units, has been launched in the city.
SAPS said it had not found an official report or complaint confirming the specific claims, including the alleged relocation of a suspect, an incident near the Bult, the suspect’s description or the alleged deployment of specialised resources.
Police stressed that the existence of investigations into the deaths of women in the Kempton Park area does not establish that a suspect connected to those cases has relocated to Potchefstroom.
North West Acting Provincial Commissioner Major General Ryno Naidoo appealed to residents to remain calm, vigilant and responsible when sharing information.
