Eighth woman’s body found in Gauteng as police expand Kempton Park probe

Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia has confirmed that the number of women’s bodies found in Gauteng has risen to eight as investigators widen a probe into a series of deaths in and around Kempton Park and other parts of Ekurhuleni.

How the investigation expanded

The latest body was discovered in Olifantsfontein, according to statements made at a high-level briefing in Parktown where senior police officials and investigators updated government representatives on the matter.

Earlier, according to IOL, a woman’s body found in a river in Clayville, next to Tembisa Mall, on September 7 had been linked to the investigation of six other bodies of women found in Gauteng. Acting Gauteng Provincial Police Commissioner Major General Fred Kekana said that the Clayville victim was believed to be in her late 20s and was found clad in her underwear.

Forensic leads and local findings

Kekana said investigators returned to police stations after discovering other bodies and then realised the Clayville case should be included in the broader inquiry. He was quoted saying:

“After noticing that bodies had been recovered, we returned to our police stations. Unfortunately, it came to light that on the 7th of this month, the body of a woman in her late 20s was found in the river in Clayville, next to Tembisa Mall… Therefore, this body will also be included as part of those to be investigated by the whole team. Therefore, we don’t have six bodies. This one will be included as the seventh body.”

Police also provided an update on a woman whose body was discovered on the side of a road in KwaThema, Springs. A pathologist’s preliminary assessment indicated that she appeared to have been strangled around the neck, and a post-mortem examination was expected to take place on Wednesday, police said.

Residents’ fears and police response

Residents near the KwaThema discovery described the woman as naked and said she appeared to have been dead for several days. A neighbour, Zanele Shabalala, told reporters that locals were alarmed and fearful, and called on government intervention.

Ward councillor Sizwe Nhleko said police had concluded the woman was likely not killed at the location where her body was found and that the body appeared to have been dumped.

Police caution against rushing conclusions

National police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said investigators were still analysing evidence to determine whether the deaths are linked and whether a single perpetrator or multiple people are involved. She warned against rushing the investigation, saying investigators must avoid mistakes that could lead to wrongful arrests. Mathe said resources and specialised support were being increased in Gauteng and that Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia would lead a high-level delegation to consult experts within the SAPS.

“We are still investigating whether we are dealing with one perpetrator or a group of men behind these murders. Could it be that a copycat crime is happening right here? So far, there are no linkages yet, and we are not going to rush the investigation because we need to ensure that we get it right,”

Mathe also said police would engage private security companies and protection associations as part of their response.

Timeline of related discoveries

Police outlined a series of bodies found in and around Kempton Park since mid-July, including:

• A 37-year-old woman found near the R21 on July 15; she was naked and had been restrained with cable ties. A suspect was arrested two days later and remains in custody.
• A 32-year-old woman found near the R21 on August 24 with visible bruises and partially clothed.
• An unidentified woman discovered near Rhodesfield in Kempton Park on September 10 in an advanced state of decomposition and partially clothed.
• The body of a 38-year-old woman, later identified as Elizabeth “Tsontso” Moselakgomo, found in Rhodesfield on September 12; she disappeared after leaving home for a routine afternoon run.
• A body discovered on September 14 along the R21 near Olifantsfontein, pending formal identification.

Mathe said the woman found in KwaThema also appeared to be in her 30s.

What investigators have said they will do next

Officials said detectives will continue forensic work and follow leads to establish whether the incidents are connected and to identify perpetrators. Mathe urged patience from the public while investigations continue.

According to IOL, the Clayville river discovery was linked to the probe of other bodies, and IOL described itself as one of South Africa’s leading news and information websites bringing millions of readers breaking news and updates across many topics.