A high-level government delegation met with SAPS investigators in Gauteng on Tuesday night, where it was revealed that another woman’s body was found in the East Rand, bringing the total number to eight.
Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia, Police Deputy Minister Polly Boshielo, Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga, Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi and Acting National Police Commissioner Puleng Dimpane were briefed on the investigations.
The meeting focused on progress in identifying those responsible, as well as the deployment of multidisciplinary expertise.
Cachalia confirmed the eighth body was found in Olifantsfontein, with police now offering a R400 000 reward for information that could lead to the arrest of suspects.
On Tuesday, police 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.
Commissioner Dimpane confirmed that police are also pursuing a person of interest in relation to one of the Kempton Park cases.
Dimpane said identifying the victims remains important to the investigation, as it could help detectives follow specific leads and establish what happened to each woman.
Cachalia has expressed deep concern following the discovery of the bodies, extending his sincere condolences to the families and loved ones of the deceased.
“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
