A high-level government delegation has met with investigators as police intensify their probe into the deaths of eight women whose bodies have been discovered across Ekurhuleni since July.

The SAPS has confirmed that eight women’s deaths are now being investigated, with one suspect arrested in connection with one of the murders and another person of interest being sought.

Police have also offered a R400 000 reward for information that could assist investigators in identifying and arresting those responsible.

The latest developments were announced following a high-level meeting at the SAPS Gauteng Provincial Head Office in Parktown on Tuesday evening, September 15.

Also read: Seven bodies now linked to wider police investigation

The delegation included Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia, Minister of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Sindisiwe Chikunga, Social Development Minister Dina Pule, Deputy Minister of Police Dr Polly Boshielo, Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi and Acting National Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane.

The meeting follows the discovery of a series of women’s bodies in different parts of Ekurhuleni.

According to police, the eight cases comprise five victims found in Kempton Park, two in Olifantsfontein and one in KwaThema.

Investigators are working to establish the circumstances surrounding each death and whether there are links between the cases. Police have not confirmed that all eight murders were committed by the same person or group.

A high-level multidisciplinary team has been established to investigate the cases, while police visibility and operations in Kempton Park and surrounding areas are being increased through Operation Shanela.

Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia said the investigation had been given priority and appealed to communities to assist investigators.

Police have urged residents, Community Policing Forums, community patrollers, churches and community organisations to work with law enforcement and provide any information that could assist the investigation.

Authorities have also warned against spreading rumours and unverified information, saying speculation could hamper the investigation.

Also read: Fact or fear? Residents urged to think before they share

President Cyril Ramaphosa has separately directed police to prioritise the investigations and called on anyone with information, including people who may have a missing relative or friend, to come forward.

Community gathers to remember Tsontso

The latest developments came as the Kempton Park community gathered on Tuesday afternoon to remember Elizabeth “Tsontso” Moselakgomo, 38, whose body was positively identified by her family on Monday.

Moselakgomo disappeared on September 9 after leaving home for a run.

Her body was discovered in Kempton Park on Saturday, September 12, and her family later confirmed her identity.

On Tuesday afternoon, women, men and children gathered outside the Protea Hotel by Marriott O.R. Tambo Airport for a community memorial run in her honour.

The group ran and walked from the hotel to Moselakgomo’s home in Rhodesfield before continuing to the place where her body was found.

The gathering became both a farewell to Moselakgomo and a public expression of grief, anger and concern about the safety of women in the community.

Participants sang, danced, prayed, shared poems and messages, while candles were lit in silence in memory of Moselakgomo.

Also read: ‘Your freedom is temporary’- SAPS warning to women’s killers

Penny Letsoalo, who organised the memorial run, said the community had gathered because Moselakgomo was not just a fellow runner but a mother, aunt and member of the community.

Dikeledi Moselakgomo, Elizabeth’s younger sister, described her as generous, kind, caring and someone who had played a parental role in her family.

“Her passing shattered us because she took us from zero. Now that she is no more, we do not have parents,” she said.

Dikeledi appealed to authorities to strengthen efforts to protect residents.

“No one deserves it. I wish we could go back and be humans, love one another,” she said.

She also called for authorities to strengthen the law and ensure that communities are protected.

Itumeleng Kekana added to growing list

One of the earlier cases now forming part of the wider investigation is that of Itumeleng Kekana, 32, whose body was discovered near Great North Road, close to Max Informal Settlement in Pomona, on August 3.

Kempton Park SAPS previously confirmed to the Kempton Express that Kekana had been reported missing on July 17.

Police responded to a murder complaint at about 10:00 on August 3 and found her body in bushes next to the road. She had suffered multiple stab wounds.

At the time, police said no suspects had been arrested and that the circumstances surrounding her death remained under investigation.

Body of missing Itumeleng Kekana found near Pomona informal settlement

Kekana’s family had searched hospitals, clinics, mortuaries and police stations following her disappearance.

Her partner, Lekgotla Gumede, identified her after seeing emergency services near Great North Road.

Gumede told the Kempton Express at the time that he had been travelling towards Kempton Park when he saw an ambulance at the roadside.

After hearing that a woman’s body had been found, he told emergency personnel that he had a missing person and was asked to describe what she had been wearing.

He later identified Kekana.

Gumede appealed to investigators to review CCTV footage from the area to help determine what happened to her.

Kekana left behind a 14-year-old daughter, who is now living with her grandparents.