UPDATE: Specialised units join investigation into woman's death
Police confirmed that forensic experts and specialised units have joined the probe into the death of a woman whose body was found in Kwa-Thema.
Kwa-Thema – National SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe has appealed to the community to help police find those responsible for taking women’s lives.
This after the body of the woman, estimated to be in her 30s, was found in Kwa-Thema this morning (September 15).
“She appears to have already decomposed, and she was dumped in this area,” said Mathe.
“Police are still analysing the evidence to develop a profile and understand the behaviour of the suspect or suspects,” she said.
The body is the sixth to be found in the Ekurhuleni area recently. The bodies of five women were found in the Kempton Park area in a two-month period.
Joined by Ekurhuleni city spokesperson Phakamile Mbengashe, Mathe said they are joining resources to find the perpetrators.
“The decision is to further strengthen the team that has already been strengthened by the presence of the EMPD,” she said.
“It will also include other specialised units to form part of the investigation.”
She further explained that police are investigating whether a single perpetrator or a group is responsible for the deaths
“We are not going to rush the investigation because we need to ensure that we get it right,” she said.
“This is not an investigation that you can rush because it is quite complex. It involves a lot of women and, at this stage, it may indicate multiple perpetrators.
“But let us leave it to the detectives because we want the detectives to give us the real perpetrators.”
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Mathe further confirmed that the SAPS Forensic Science Laboratory Unit is also joining the investigation to ensure it is sped up.
She pleaded with the community of Kwatsaduza and Gauteng as a whole to exercise patience. She cited that the situation cannot continue and be left unabated.
“There must be something that is done. On our side, we are increasing visibility, resources and capacity, as well as bringing in specialised resources to support the province of Gauteng,” she said.
“The minister will be leading a high-level delegation and meeting with various experts within the SAPS.
“What is key, after having a conversation with the former commissioner of the SAPS, is that we are going to use the same energy that we used during the June 30 demonstrations.
“We are also going to engage with private security companies and protection associations because now is not the time for blame games.”
She urged that community to unite, and use this time to be the eyes and ears of the police and assist the work of the police to find the perpetrators.
“Now is the time for the country to unite because we cannot leave this situation unattended. It is not the police alone that can solve this scourge. We need as many people as possible on the ground,” she said.
