Police have intensified their investigation into the deaths of four women whose bodies were discovered in Kempton Park between July and September.

Acting Gauteng Commissioner Major General Fred Kekana addressed the media on September 13, confirming details surrounding the four cases and stressing that it would be premature to conclude that they are connected or involve a single perpetrator.

“While there are similarities in some of the circumstances surrounding the cases, it would be premature at this stage to conclude that the four cases are linked or that they involve one perpetrator,” Kekana said.

“Our responsibility is to establish the facts through evidence.”

Four cases under investigation

The first body, that of a 37-year-old woman, was discovered near the R21 on July 15.

According to SAPS, the woman was found naked and had been restrained with cable ties.

“Investigators have made progress in that case, with a suspect arrested on July 17. The suspect remains in custody while the investigation continues.”

The second body, that of a 32-year-old woman, was discovered near the R21 on August 24.

Also read: SAPS probes links between four bodies found in Kempton Park

She was found partially clothed.

“The third body was discovered on September 10. The deceased is an unidentified woman, whose body was found naked and in an advanced state of decomposition.”

SAPS said the identification process is continuing.

The fourth body, that of a 38-year-old woman, was discovered in Rhodesfield on September 12, at the back of a hotel in the area.

The woman was wearing sports clothing and was found partially clothed.

Her identity is still subject to formal confirmation by her family through the mortuary identification process.

Multidisciplinary team deployed

Kekana said SAPS has mobilised a multidisciplinary team to examine the four investigations and determine whether any established links exist.

The team is analysing the individual dockets, evidence, timelines, locations, victim profiles and circumstances surrounding each case.

“Specialists from the Investigative Psychology Unit have also been brought in to assess possible behavioural patterns and linkages.”

The Provincial Tracking Team and K9 Search and Rescue teams have also been deployed to relevant areas to assist investigators.

Also read: Body of unidentified woman recovered from Kempton Park spruit

Kekana said investigators were considering all possibilities and were not limiting themselves to one suspect or theory.

“Once we have balanced and analysed all the available evidence, we will be able to determine whether these cases are connected, whether multiple suspects are involved, or whether these are separate investigations,” he said.

He urged members of the public and media not to speculate or prematurely link the cases.

Police warn about online dating

The briefing also highlighted a separate concern involving people who meet others through online dating platforms and social media.

Kempton Park Police Station management has identified about 10 cases in which people allegedly met individuals online before being lured to locations where they were subsequently robbed and, in some cases, raped.

SAPS has urged people using dating platforms to exercise extreme caution when meeting someone they have only interacted with online.

Police advise people to avoid sharing unnecessary personal information, never allow themselves to be lured to isolated locations and to meet first-time contacts in public places.

A trusted family member or friend should also be told who they are meeting, where they are going and when they expect to return.

Women urged to remain vigilant

Kekana also urged women and young girls to take additional precautions when walking, running or exercising alone.

Residents are encouraged to exercise or travel in groups where possible, avoid isolated areas and choose populated and well-lit locations.

Police also advised residents to keep their cellphone with them and remain aware of their surroundings.

Also read: Family urges public to stop sharing unverified information

“This is not about restricting the freedom of women to move, exercise or live their lives,” Kekana said. “It is about taking reasonable precautions while the police continue with these investigations.”

SAPS appeals for information

Police are appealing to anyone with information about the four cases, suspicious activity in the affected areas or the movements of any of the victims to come forward.

Information can be provided to Warrant Officer Elvis Manyike on 082 465 7249.

Members of the public can also submit information anonymously through the MySAPS app.

SAPS is further appealing to families who have missing relatives or loved ones who have not yet been reported missing to immediately approach their nearest police station.

Kekana said detectives, forensic specialists, tracking teams, K9 teams and investigative psychology experts were working on the investigation.

“We are following every credible lead and will leave no stone unturned in our efforts to establish exactly what happened to these women,” he said.