Are Kempton Park residents safe? Police probe women’s murders
EKURHULENI — Police say those responsible for the deaths of women in Ekurhuleni have left evidence behind, as the discovery of a sixth woman’s body intensified an investigation that has unsettled communities across the metro. Additional officers, forensic specialists and tracking teams have been deployed, but investigators have not confirmed that the cases are linked.
The latest body was discovered on Tuesday morning, following another discovery on Monday. Police had previously reported finding four women’s bodies over approximately two months. One suspect arrested in connection with the first case in July remains in custody, according to the South African Police Service.
Speaking at a briefing on Monday evening, before the sixth discovery, Deputy National Commissioner Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili warned those responsible that investigators were following evidence and pursuing leads.
“You have left a trail. And we are following it. We are coming for you,” Mosikili said.
She said detectives, intelligence officers, tracking teams and forensic experts were working together, with the SAPS and Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department combining resources. Increased patrols and police visibility form part of the response, alongside the investigation into the deaths.
Mosikili acknowledged the fear and anxiety among women and families in the affected communities. She said additional personnel and resources had been brought into the area, while a senior operational meeting had reviewed progress with the investigating team.
A central question remains whether the killings are connected. Mosikili said investigators were examining similarities, including the circumstances in which some of the women were found, but would not confirm a link before the necessary investigative and forensic work was completed.
That distinction also applies to the arrest already made. Police have linked the detained suspect to the first murder case; the reports do not establish that the suspect is responsible for the other deaths.
Among the victims is 38 year old Elizabeth “Tsontso” Moselakgomo, whose body was positively identified by her family. Acting National Commissioner Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane extended condolences to her relatives and said police were committed to establishing what happened and holding those responsible accountable.
Dimpane said investigators would pursue individuals wherever evidence connected them to the crimes. A multidisciplinary team, including detectives and specialised policing resources, has been deployed to support the investigations.
Police have also appealed for community cooperation to help identify those responsible. While the expanded deployment provides an immediate response to residents’ concerns, the investigation must still establish who committed the remaining killings and whether any of the cases share a perpetrator. The police’s promise of arrests rests on that evidence being gathered and tested.
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