Keypoints:
- Nine women found dead across Ekurhuleni
- Specialist police team probes possible links
- Serial-killer theory remains unconfirmed
SOUTH African police are investigating possible links between the deaths of women across Ekurhuleni after a ninth body was discovered in Dawn Park, Boksburg, on Thursday, deepening concern over a series of cases that have emerged over roughly two months.
The widening investigation has become a major test for police as they try to determine whether the deaths are connected, identify those responsible and reassure communities increasingly alarmed by the repeated discoveries. Authorities have deployed a multidisciplinary team, increased patrols and offered a R400,000 reward, while President Cyril Ramaphosa has ordered the cases to be prioritised.
Ninth death widens investigation
The South African Police Service confirmed that the ninth woman’s body was found on the morning of September 17 in Dawn Park, Boksburg.
The discovery followed eight other cases involving women whose bodies had been found in different parts of Ekurhuleni, the metropolitan municipality east of Johannesburg.
SAPS said a multidisciplinary team of investigators and specialists was working to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths, identify those responsible and determine whether connections exist between any of the cases. Additional officers have also been deployed to increase police visibility and patrols.
The latest development represents a rapid escalation from the four deaths police were investigating earlier in the week.
On September 14, SAPS disclosed that four women had been found dead in the Kempton Park area over about two months. Further discoveries followed in quick succession, with the total reaching eight by September 15 before Thursday’s ninth case.
Africa Briefing reported earlier on the widening investigation when seven women’s deaths were under scrutiny, before further discoveries pushed the number to nine.
Investigators are now working to establish the circumstances of the latest death while examining possible links among the cases.
Serial-killer theory remains unproven
Despite mounting public concern, police have stopped short of concluding that a serial killer is responsible.
SAPS said preliminary investigations into the first four cases showed ‘concerning similarities’ in the circumstances in which the women were found. Those similarities were serious enough for police to intensify the investigation and issue safety warnings to women in affected areas.
But authorities have repeatedly stressed that investigators have not established that the deaths are linked to a single offender.
That distinction has become increasingly important as speculation grows around the cases.
The multidisciplinary police team includes specialist detectives, forensic experts, tracking capability, K9 resources and investigative psychology specialists.
Their task is to examine evidence across the cases without assuming that one individual or group is responsible.
Police have urged women around Kempton Park and surrounding areas, particularly in isolated locations, to remain vigilant and, where possible, avoid walking, running or exercising alone.
Police offer R400,000 reward
Authorities have also intensified their operational response.
Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia said a high-level multidisciplinary team had been established and police visibility would be significantly increased through Operation Shanela in Kempton Park and surrounding communities.
Police have offered a R400,000 (($24,620) reward for information that could lead to the arrest of the person or people responsible for the killings under investigation.
Cachalia has also cautioned against rumours and unsupported speculation, arguing that investigators need evidence and community cooperation as they work to determine what connects — or separates — the cases.
Among the identified victims is 38-year-old Dineo Evelyn Motapane, whose body was found beside a road in KwaThema, Springs. Her family identified her at the Springs Mortuary on Wednesday, according to SAPS.
Another victim, 38-year-old Elizabeth ‘Tsontso’ Moselakgomo, was identified by her family after disappearing while out running. Her death helped push the developing investigation further into the national spotlight.
Ramaphosa orders cases prioritised
The deaths have now drawn intervention from the highest level of government.
Ramaphosa said the incidents were creating ‘fear and uncertainty’ in communities, particularly among women, and directed police leadership to prioritise the investigation.
He said law-enforcement agencies were working urgently to establish the facts, protect communities and bring the ‘perpetrator or perpetrators’ to justice.
‘I have directed that these cases be prioritised and that no stone be left unturned in bringing those responsible to justice,’ Ramaphosa said.
The President also appealed directly to people with information, saying cooperation between citizens and law enforcement could prove critical to preventing further deaths and helping police establish the truth.
Women’s safety back under scrutiny
Beyond the immediate police investigation, the discoveries have again placed women’s safety and gender-based violence under national scrutiny in South Africa.
Concerns over women’s security extend beyond the present investigation. Africa Briefing has previously reported on moves to offer women safer transport options in South Africa, reflecting wider anxiety over personal safety and mobility.
For investigators, however, the immediate challenge remains evidential: to determine the circumstances surrounding each death and establish whether any of the cases are connected.
That uncertainty is central to the investigation.
Authorities have warned against drawing conclusions before forensic, investigative and other evidence has been assessed, even as public anxiety continues to grow across Ekurhuleni.
Police are therefore balancing two urgent demands — reassuring communities while avoiding claims that could compromise or misrepresent an investigation that remains at a critical stage.
The discovery of a ninth woman’s body has intensified pressure on authorities to establish whether the cases are connected and who is responsible.
