Police say perpetrators of Kempton Park killings will be caught: ‘Your freedom is temporary’

Police and metro officials have stepped up patrols and launched intensive forensic and intelligence work after five women’s bodies were discovered in the Ekurhuleni area since July. Deputy National Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili warned those responsible that investigators were closing in and that their freedom was temporary.

Increased operational response

Mosikili made the remarks during a media briefing on Monday evening at Kempton Park Police Station, where she spoke alongside acting Gauteng provincial police commissioner Major General Fred Kekana and Chief of the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department, Isaac Mapiyeye.

She said police had joined forces with the EMPD to increase visibility and strengthen their operational response in affected areas. “We are putting more boots on the ground. There are increased patrols, increased visibility and intensified our investigations,” Mosikili said.

Mosikili described a multi‑disciplinary team working on the cases that includes detectives, intelligence members, forensic experts, tracking teams, search and rescue and K9 units, as well as other specialised resources operating around the clock.

Forensics, intelligence and tracking

She said investigators were analysing victim and suspect profiles and examining the circumstances surrounding each victim. Mosikili also said intelligence and tracking teams were following leads and identifying persons who may be relevant to the investigations.

“Our intelligence officers are gathering more information. Our tracking teams are following all leads and our forensic experts are analysing what you have left behind. You have left a trail. And we are following it.”

She added investigators were following evidence left behind by the perpetrators and pledged that when suspects were identified and arrested, they would “answer to every life you have taken.”

Recent discoveries and arrests

The latest discovery, Mosikili said, was made on Monday morning when the body of a woman, believed to be in her 30s, was found partially naked on the side of the road in Olifantsfontein. She said it was the third body discovered within a week.

“From July to date, we are now dealing with five cases involving the discovery of women’s bodies in the Ekurhuleni area,” Mosikili said. She also said one suspect had already been arrested in the first case and positively linked to the murder.

Mosikili said a woman who was kidnapped on Sunday in Kempton Park had been found and safely reunited with her family.

Missing-person reports

The deputy national commissioner revealed that 17 women had been reported missing in the Kempton Park area since January, and that 13 had been located and safely reunited with their families. She said police were investigating whether the cases were linked but would not confirm any linkage until forensic processes were complete.

Family identifies runner

The family of runner Elizabeth “Tsontso” Moselakgomo positively identified her body at the Germiston Government Mortuary on Monday. Moselakgomo was a member of the Team Vitality running community. Her eight‑year‑old daughter raised the alarm after her mother failed to return from a routine run.

Her uncle, Andries Moroka Matlala, told media that the child noticed her mother had not returned by 6:30pm and that the daughter’s actions were an “iconic moment.” Team Vitality expressed sadness at Moselakgomo’s death and extended condolences to her family.

Police message to perpetrators

“Now let me speak directly to whoever is responsible for these killings. Listen carefully. If you are responsible for taking these women’s lives, your freedom is temporary. You may be hiding this evening. You may think that you have removed the evidence. You may think that nobody saw you or knows who you are. Do not make that mistake.”

Mosikili said investigators were following all evidence and that whether it was “one person or a group of people working together, we are going to come for you.” She described the statement as a commitment from the South African Police Service and the EMPD.