As investigations intensify following a string of murders in Ekurhuleni, Gauteng police have confirmed the discovery of the body of a 7th woman in Tembisa on the East Rand.
The woman, believed to be in her 20’s, was discovered last Monday, 7 September. It comes after the discovery of a sixth woman’s body in Kwa-Thema today, 15 September.
Police confirmed that the body was discovered in Kwa-Thema, 45 kilometres from Kempton Park, where the bodies of four other women have been found since July. Another body was found in Olifantsfontein, about 25 kilometres away, on Monday, 14 September.
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.
Police are probing whether all the killings can be linked to one perpetrator or whether multiple suspects are involved.
The first body that was discovered in July in Kempton Park has been linked to the woman’s boyfriend, who is currently in custody.
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.”
READ MORE: Women in Kempton Park urged not to walk or run alone after multiple bodies discovered
President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on police to leave no stone unturned to solve the killings.
“I speak for all of us as I extend my deepest condolences to all families and communities affected by the killing of women recently found in and around Kempton Park. These incidents are causing fear and uncertainty in our communities, and especially among women. As government, we share the concerns of all South Africans, and we mourn the lives so cruelly taken away. Our law enforcement agencies are working urgently to establish the facts, keep communities safe, and bring the perpetrator or perpetrators to justice.”
Ramaphosa says he has spoken to the Minister of Police and the Acting National Police Commissioner, who has briefed him on the investigation.
“Our law enforcement agencies are undertaking this work in partnership with citizens, on whom we depend for any information that may help end these attacks on women. As a nation, we must stand up for the rights, safety and dignity of women and girls. As we do so, our hearts go out to all the families affected by the terrible events in the Kempton Park area.”
If anyone has information about these incidents, please contact Warrant Officer Elvis Manyike on 082 465 7249.
*This article has been updated
