Lesufi: ‘They’ve declared war on the state’ as ninth body found in Ekurhuleni

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has warned that those responsible for a series of violent killings in Ekurhuleni have effectively “declared war on the state” and that the state will respond without cowering, after the discovery of a ninth body in Dawn Park.

What happened

Lesufi spoke to the media at the scene in Dawn Park on Thursday after the semi-naked body of a woman was found wrapped in a sheet on the side of the road. Officials said the woman was discovered by a passerby. The woman’s identity and the circumstances surrounding her death had not yet been publicly confirmed by police.

Scope of the killings

Police have said the series of murders, should they be connected, has claimed the lives of five women in Kempton Park, two in Olifantsfontein, one in KwaThema and now one in Dawn Park. Three of the victims have been identified; the eighth woman was named in media reports as 38-year-old Dineo Evelyn Motapane, whose body was found on the side of the road in KwaThema, Springs.

Law enforcement response

Lesufi said intensified lockdown operations began at 6am and that resources have been deployed. He said suspects were fleeing targeted areas and that investigators are closing in on suspects linked to multiple cases.

“We are making a breakthrough. Two or three cases are going to yield results. South Africans must be patient. I know the anger, frustration, and despair are natural – but the investigators have done well. They are briefing us hourly, and evidence is being gathered across the country.”

On criticism and evidence

Rejecting criticism that the state was slow to act, Lesufi said operations are evidence-driven.

“We cannot arrest somebody without proof. Otherwise, you will be the first to accuse us of acting without basis. Law enforcement must be given space to deal with these issues. Those who declared war against the state must know we will push back,”

he told the media.

Tools and tactics

Lesufi said authorities are using cyber-tracking, surveillance footage and intelligence networks to tighten the net, and expressed confidence in the police.

“We have invested in systems, and the police are working around the clock. I have full confidence in them. I’ve seen them crack big cases before, and I have no reason to doubt they will break this one.”

Rewards and operations

Police have offered a R400 000 reward for information that could lead to solving the murders and arrests of the suspect(s). The DA has offered a separate R500 000 cash reward for information that leads to successful criminal prosecution. Lesufi said Kempton Park would be placed under lockdown through Operation Shanela.

Appeal for calm

Lesufi urged South Africans to remain calm while investigators work.

“Someone has declared war against us, and we will not retreat. The state has the capacity to respond, and we will ensure that good governance, accountability, and justice prevail.”