African Insider
Kempton Park serial killer fears: Police launch urgent probe after four women found dead
Words: Betha Madhomu / African insider
Kempton Park – The South African Police Service (SAPS) has intensified investigations after the bodies of four women were discovered in the Kempton Park area over a period of about two months, with police warning women in the area to exercise extreme caution.
The latest body was discovered on Saturday evening in the Rhodesfield area.
According to SAPS, detectives have identified similarities in the circumstances surrounding the deaths. The women were found ‘half naked and with visible bruising’, while the locations where their bodies were discovered are in the same vicinity.
Police have not confirmed that the deaths are linked or that a serial killer is responsible.
However, SAPS said the similarities were serious enough to warrant a public warning and the immediate intensification of investigations.
‘The safety of women remains a priority for SAPS, and the police will not wait for further incidents before taking decisive action,’ the police said.
Acting National Commissioner Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane has directed the Gauteng Provincial Commissioner to establish a dedicated multidisciplinary task team to investigate the deaths and establish whether there are links between the cases.
The team will include detectives from specialised units, including the Murder and Robbery Unit and the Investigative Psychology Unit, along with other relevant specialists.
The task team will be led by Gauteng Deputy Provincial Commissioner Major General Mbuso Khumalo, who has been tasked with ensuring that “all investigative avenues are pursued and that no stone is left unturned” in determining who is responsible.
SAPS has urged women in and around Kempton Park, particularly in Rhodesfield, not to walk or exercise alone in isolated areas.
Women have also been advised to avoid secluded places, remain vigilant and, where possible, travel or exercise in groups.
Police are appealing to residents, motorists, security personnel and other members of the community who may have witnessed suspicious activity in Rhodesfield and surrounding areas to come forward.
‘SAPS is taking these incidents extremely seriously,’ the police said, assuring residents that specialised resources had been mobilised to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths and bring those responsible to justice.
Anyone with information can contact Warrant Officer Elvis Manyike on 082 465 7249 or provide information anonymously through the MySAPS App.
