Police are investigating whether the discovery of a sixth woman’s body in KwaThema, south-west of Springs, is linked to five other deaths in and around Kempton Park since July. 

According to The Witness, the body was found on the side of a road today (September 15). 

Gauteng police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi confirmed the discovery and said the area has been cordoned off as an active crime scene. 

The discovery comes a day after another woman’s body, believed to be in her 30s, was found in a veld at Olifantsfontein by a man walking to work. 

Six deaths under investigation 

The latest discovery brings the total to six women whose bodies have been found in and around Kempton Park since July. 

The bodies have been discovered in open areas, including roadsides, veld, and behind buildings. Most of the women were partially clothed and bruised, while police confirmed yesterday that four of the victims had been sexually assaulted. 

Timeline of discoveries 

The first woman, a 37-year-old, was found near the R21 on July 15. She was unclothed and restrained with cable ties. Her boyfriend was arrested and remains in custody. 

On August 24, the partially clothed body of a 32-year-old woman was found, also near the R21. 

Another woman’s unclothed and badly decomposed body was discovered on September 10. 

Runner Elizabeth ‘Tsontso’ Moselakgomo was found on Saturday (September 12), after she failed to return home from a run after work. Her eight-year-old daughter raised the alarm when her mother did not come home. 

Yesterday (September 14), the body of another woman was found in a veld at Olifantsfontein. 

Police are investigating whether the discovery of a sixth woman’s body in KwaThema, south-west of Springs, is linked to five other deaths in and around Kempton Park since July. 

According to The Witness, the body was found on the side of a road today (September 15). 

Gauteng police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi confirmed the discovery and said the area has been cordoned off as an active crime scene. 

The discovery comes a day after another woman’s body, believed to be in her 30s, was found in a veld at Olifantsfontein by a man walking to work. 

Reported kidnapping attempt 

A woman reportedly escaped a possible kidnapping in Kempton Park on Sunday night (September 13). 

The woman managed to escape and is currently at Kempton Park Police Station, where she has given a statement to authorities. 

The incident happened a day before the discovery of the woman’s body in Olifantsfontein. 

Police have not confirmed whether the alleged kidnapping is connected to the deaths of the women whose bodies have been discovered in the area. 

Deputy national police commissioner Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili said investigators are working to establish whether the cases are linked. 

72-hour multidisciplinary operation

Mosikili briefed reporters at Kempton Park Police Station yesterday alongside acting Gauteng police commissioner Major-General Fred Kekana and Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department chief Isaac Mapiyeye.

Mosikili said a 72-hour investigation was underway, involving detectives, forensic investigators, the K9 unit, tracing unit, metro police and crime intelligence.

Investigators were following several leads and hoped to make progress by the end of the week.

Police have also not confirmed whether a serial killer is behind the deaths.

Missing women cases in Kempton Park 

The Kempton Express reported that Mosikili further revealed that 17 women had been reported missing in the Kempton Park area since January. 

Of these, 13 had been located by police and safely reunited with their families. 

She urged residents not to allow fear to take control of their communities, while calling on the public to assist police with information that could help identify those responsible. 

Addressing the alleged perpetrators directly, Mosikili issued a strong warning: “If you are responsible for taking these women’s lives, your freedom is temporary.” 

She added that investigators, intelligence officers, tracking teams and forensic experts were following evidence gathered during the investigations. 

“You have left a trail. And we are following it. For far too long, when women are at risk, the conversation has been about what women must do to keep themselves safe,” she said. 

“Let us stand together. Let us look after our sisters, our mothers and our daughters.” 

Mosikili added that SAPS remained committed to finding those responsible for the deaths and ensuring that the victims’ families received justice. 

Acting Minister of Police Firoz Cachalia will meet with the investigating team this afternoon to receive a detailed briefing on the progress of the investigation. 

The meeting with the investigating team will provide an opportunity to assess the progress of the investigation and ensure that all necessary resources and operational support are being brought to bear. 

Safety of women a priority 

“The safety of women is a priority. The SAPS will continue working with communities and other stakeholders to identify risks, strengthen policing responses and ensure that credible information is acted upon.” 

He urged the public not to circulate unverified information or make accusations without evidence.  

“Our thoughts remain with the families of the deceased during this deeply painful time,” said Cachalia. 

Concern over deaths 

The City of Ekurhuleni has also expressed concern over the deaths, with Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza describing the circumstances as ‘deeply disturbing’. 

“Our deepest condolences go to the families and loved ones of the women whose lives have been lost,” Xhakaza said. 

“We recognise that behind every case file is a mother, daughter, sister, friend, colleague, or member of a community whose life mattered.” 

He said the deaths had understandably caused fear and anxiety among residents, particularly women who live, work, walk, run and exercise in and around Kempton Park and Rhodesfield. 

“No woman or anyone else should have to calculate the risk of being targeted simply because she is exercising, walking alone or going about her daily life,” he said. 

Xhakaza said the city’s immediate priorities include increased police visibility and patrols, targeted deployments, heightened surveillance and closer co-operation between law enforcement agencies, private security companies and community safety structures. 

“Your freedom matters, your safety matters and your right to occupy public spaces is your basic right. Women should not have to surrender their freedom because of the actions of predators,” he said. 

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