GAUTENG – A sixth woman’s body has been discovered on the side of a road in KwaThema, Springs, on Tuesday morning, making her the third victim found since Saturday, when the body of missing jogger Elizabeth Moselakgomo was discovered.

The grim discovery has intensified fears that a serial killer may be on the loose on the East Rand, with all six bodies found between July and September in similar circumstances.

Gauteng police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi confirmed the latest discovery and said the area had been cordoned off. “It is an active scene,” she said.

The discovery came just hours after Acting National Commissioner Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane delivered a stern warning to those responsible on Monday evening: “We are coming for you,” she warned.

Third body in four days

The sixth body follows the discovery of a fifth victim in Olifantsfontein on Monday morning. A passer-by walking to work found the partially naked woman lying on the side of the road and alerted the police.

Missing jogger identified

The family of missing jogger Moselakgomo (38), positively identified her body at the Germiston mortuary on Monday afternoon, confirming her as the fourth victim in the series of murders that has shocked the Gauteng community.

Moselakgomo went missing on 9 September after leaving her home in Rhodesfield for an afternoon run between 17:30 and 18:30. Her eight-year-old daughter, who was at home, raised the alarm when her mother failed to return that evening.

Her body was found three days later on 12 September at the back of a hotel in Rhodesfield.

Minister demands urgent action

Acting Minister of Police Firoz Cachalia has expressed deep concern following the discovery of the bodies and extended his sincere condolences to the families and loved ones of the deceased.

The Acting Minister returned to South Africa on Monday following a working visit to China and has prioritised receiving an update on the ongoing investigation. He met with the investigating team on Tuesday afternoon to receive a detailed briefing on the progress of the investigation, the evidence gathered thus far and the measures being taken to identify and apprehend those responsible.

“The discovery of multiple women murdered in the Kempton Park area is deeply disturbing. While the investigation must establish whether these cases are linked, the possibility that a perpetrator or perpetrators may be targeting women demands our urgent and determined attention,” Minister Cachalia said.

He warned the public against spreading unverified information. “We appeal to anyone with information that may assist the investigation to come forward through the appropriate police channels. We also urge the public not to circulate unverified information or make accusations without evidence.”

Strong warning to killers

In her forceful address on Monday evening, Dimpane spoke directly to whoever is responsible for the killings. “Listen carefully. If you are responsible for taking these women’s lives, your freedom is temporary. You may be hiding this evening. You may think that you have removed the evidence. You may think that nobody saw you or knows who you are. Do not make that mistake.”

She said both the SAPS and Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department have the capability, resources and determination to find those responsible. “You have left a trail. And we are following it. We are coming for you. When we identify you, whether it’s one person or a group of people working together, we are going to come for you. And when we arrest you, you are facing the full might of the law and you will answer to every life you have taken.”

Serial killer fears escalate

The discovery of six bodies within a two-month period has heightened fears within the East Rand community that a serial killer may be targeting women in the area. All six bodies were found in similar circumstances, with victims discovered partially clothed or naked in the greater Kempton Park area, and with severe injuries.

Dimpane confirmed these similarities and the circumstances in which some of the women were found.

Three previous victims

The first victim, a woman (37), was discovered near the R21 on 15 July. She was found naked and had been restrained with cable ties. A suspect was arrested two days later on 17 July and remains in custody while the investigation continues.

Dimpane confirmed: “With the first case, one suspect has already been arrested and positively linked to the murder.”

A second woman (32) was found partially clothed near the R21 on 24 August. The third victim, whose identity remains unknown, was discovered on 10 September in an advanced state of decomposition. Police are working to establish her identity.

Woman rescued, 13 others found safe

In a positive development, Dimpane also revealed on Monday that another woman who was kidnapped in Kempton Park has been found and safely reunited with her family.

She also disclosed that since January, 17 women have been reported missing in the Kempton Park area. Thirteen have been located by police and safely reunited with their families.

Resources deployed

The Acting National Commissioner said police have strengthened their deployment and brought additional resources on the ground. “We are tightening our grip on Ekurhuleni,” she said.

She confirmed that a high-level operational meeting was held on Monday evening with the investigating team to assess the progress of these investigations, the evidence gathered so far, the deployment of resources and the investigative leads currently being pursued.

A multidisciplinary team comprising detectives and other specialised policing resources is working around the clock to establish the circumstances surrounding each death, analyse available evidence, identify possible linkages where they exist, and pursue all leads.

ALSO READ: Missing jogger Elizabeth Moselakgomo identified as Kempton Park murder victim

Community urged to share information

Police are appealing to anyone with information about the cases, suspicious activity in the affected areas, or the movements of any of the victims to contact Warrant Officer Elvis Manyike on 082 465 7249.

“Even information that may appear insignificant could assist investigators in connecting pieces of evidence,” Acting Gauteng Police Commissioner Fred Kekana said.

Women urged to take precautions

Given the circumstances, police are urging women and girls to take extra precautions when exercising, walking or running alone. Where possible, they should exercise in groups, inform someone of their whereabouts and expected return time, avoid isolated areas, and remain in populated, well-lit locations.

“This is not about restricting the freedom of women to move, exercise or live their lives. It is about taking reasonable precautions while the police continue with these investigations,” Kekana said.

Dimpane reassured the community: “Do not allow criminals to take control of your communities through fear. The police, our resources and personnel are here. We are on the ground. We are tightening our grip. And we will find anyone who is responsible for this.”