Acting minister orders Ekurhuleni shutdown after eight women found dead

Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia has announced plans to shut down parts of Ekurhuleni, including Kempton Park and surrounding areas, as police intensify investigations after the discovery of eight bodies across the municipality.

What authorities say

The move follows the discovery of eight bodies in Ekurhuleni over the past two months. Cachalia made the announcement during a joint media briefing on Tuesday, saying authorities were determined to find those responsible and bring them to justice.

“I want to give the people of Ekurhuleni and the families the assurance that we will leave no stone unturned to bring the culprits to book.”

Police measures and investigation

Police have established a dedicated investigative team to probe the cases and will step up prevention efforts. Cachalia said Operation Shanela would be expanded in Kempton Park and neighbouring areas and that residents should expect a significantly increased law-enforcement presence in the coming weeks.

“Police will lock down this area in the coming weeks.”

Authorities have also offered a R400,000 reward for information that could identify those behind the killings.

Locations and timeline

The reported discoveries include five cases in Kempton Park, two in Olifantsfontein and one in Kwa-Thema. The cases were recorded between July and September.

Appeal to the public

Cachalia urged residents to report suspicious activity but cautioned against spreading unverified information online, saying rumours and “wild speculation” on social media would not help investigators.