The body of a sixth woman has been found in Ekurhuleni on Tuesday morning, 15 September.
Police confirmed that the body was discovered in Kwa-Thema, 45 kilometres from Kempton Park, where the bodies of four other women were found since July. Another body was found in Olifantsfontein, about 25 kilometres away.
Two of the victims have been identified, including Elizabeth ‘Tsontso’ Moselakgomo, who was reported missing after going for a run on Wednesday, 9 September.
Her 8-year-old daughter reported her missing. Her badly beaten body was found on Saturday, and her family positively identified her on Monday, 14 September.
The Acting Minister of Police, Firoz Cachalia, has expressed deep concern following the discovery of the bodies, extending his sincere condolences to the families and loved ones of the deceased.
Cachalia, together with the Acting National Commissioner of the South African Police Service, Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane, will meet 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. A multidisciplinary investigation has been established to examine possible links between the cases, identify those responsible and bring them to justice.”
Cachalia says the safety of women is a priority.
“The SAPS will continue working with communities and other stakeholders to identify risks, strengthen policing responses and ensure that credible information is acted upon. 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. Our thoughts remain with the families of the deceased during this deeply painful time.”
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