Sixth woman’s body found in Ekurhuleni as police investigate

The discovery of another woman’s body in Ekurhuleni has intensified concerns over the safety of women in the region, with police now investigating a sixth case in the space of two months.

The latest body was found beside a road in Kwa-Thema, Springs, on Tuesday morning. Police were at the scene investigating the circumstances surrounding the discovery.

At this stage, authorities have not confirmed the woman’s identity or how she died. It is also not yet known whether her death is connected to the other cases under investigation.

Six women found in separate locations

The latest discovery follows a series of cases involving women whose bodies were found in open areas around Ekurhuleni and Kempton Park.

The cases have emerged at different locations, including roadsides, veld areas and behind buildings.

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

A 32-year-old woman was then found partially clothed on 24 August, while another woman, whose body was unclothed and badly decomposed, was discovered on 10 September.

Runner Elizabeth “Tsontso” Moselakgomo was found on Saturday 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.

The fifth woman, believed to have been in her thirties, was found in a veld in Olifantsfontein on Monday morning by a man walking to work.

Police said four of the women had been sexually assaulted.

Multidisciplinary team follows leads

The growing number of cases has prompted a major police investigation involving detectives, forensic investigators, the K9 unit, tracing teams, metro police and crime intelligence.

Deputy national police commissioner Lieutenant-General Tebello Mosikili said a 72-hour investigation was under way as authorities worked to follow leads and make progress on the cases.

Addressing reporters at Kempton Park police station, Mosikili delivered a blunt warning to those responsible.

The investigation is also looking into whether the cases are connected and whether women may have been deliberately targeted.

Police urge public to avoid speculation

Cachalia, together with Acting National Commissioner of the South African Police Service Lieutenant-General Puleng Dimpane, is due to meet the investigating team to receive an update on the evidence gathered, progress in identifying the victims and efforts to apprehend those responsible.

Cachalia described the discovery of multiple women’s bodies in the area as deeply disturbing, saying the possibility of a perpetrator or group targeting women requires urgent attention.

Authorities have also appealed to anyone with information that could assist investigators to report it through official police channels.

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Source: South African Daily