Four women found dead in Kempton Park as police probe possible links

Police are investigating the deaths of four women discovered in Kempton Park between July and September, and have warned local women to be cautious as investigators work to determine whether the cases are linked. According to IOL, authorities have mobilised specialised teams to examine evidence from each incident while appealing to the community for information.

Deaths discovered between July and September

According to IOL, the first victim, a 37-year-old woman, was discovered near the R21 on 15 July 2026. She was found naked and had been restrained with cable ties. A suspect in that case was arrested on 17 July 2026 and is currently in custody, IOL reports.

According to IOL, the second victim, a 32-year-old woman, was discovered near the R21 on 24 August 2026 and was found partially clothed. The third body, of an unidentified woman, was discovered on 10 September 2026 in an advanced state of decomposition and was found naked; “At this stage, we have not yet been able to formally establish her identity”, IOL reports.

According to IOL, a fourth woman, aged 38, was discovered on 12 September 2026 in Rhodesfield at the back of a hotel. She 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.

Missing runner and intensified searches

According to IOL, on 12 September the SAPS intensified its search for Elizabeth Mokolo Moselakgomo, 38, who went missing after an afternoon run in Kempton Park on 9 September. Her family reported her disappearance after her eight-year-old daughter contacted relatives when she did not return, IOL says.

Multidisciplinary probe and caution against speculation

According to IOL, acting Gauteng provincial police commissioner Major General Fred Kekana told a media briefing that investigators are treating the matters with seriousness and have assembled a multidisciplinary team. The team includes detectives, forensic specialists, tracking teams, K9 units and the Investigative Psychology Unit to analyse individual dockets, evidence, timelines, locations, victim profiles and possible linkages.

According to IOL, Kekana said investigators were considering all possibilities and cautioned against premature conclusions: “We are not limiting ourselves to one suspect or one theory.” He urged the public and media not to speculate and said, “Our responsibility is to establish the facts through evidence.”

Online dating warning and community appeal

According to IOL, station management in Kempton Park identified about 10 cases in which people who met others via online dating platforms or social media were allegedly lured to locations and subsequently robbed and/or sexually assaulted. Kekana issued a public warning urging caution when meeting people met online and advised meeting in public places and informing trusted contacts of plans.

According to IOL, the SAPS appealed to the Kempton Park community to assist with information and provided a contact number for leads: Warrant Officer Elvis Manyike on 082-465-7249.

Safety guidance from police

According to IOL, police advised women and young girls to take additional precautions when exercising, walking or running alone: where possible, travel in groups, tell someone your route and expected return time, avoid isolated areas, and keep a cellphone on hand. Kekana emphasised that these steps are intended as reasonable precautions while investigations continue.

According to IOL, the SAPS said detectives, forensic specialists, tracking teams, K9 teams and investigative psychology experts are working around the clock and that authorities will act where evidence links suspects to crimes.