Police pursue person of interest as Ekurhuleni murders investigation widens

Police are following a person of interest as investigators work to establish what lies behind the deaths of eight women whose bodies were discovered across Ekurhuleni in less than two months.

The development comes as police step up efforts to find answers in a case that has drawn growing public concern, particularly after several of the women were found partially undressed and with visible bruising.

The latest victim was discovered in the Clayville River near Olifantsfontein, opposite Thembisa Mall. Police confirmed that the body found in the river was the eighth woman included in the investigation.

Acting National Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Puleng Dimpane confirmed the discovery.

‘The 8th victim was picked up from Oliefantsfontein,’ Dimpane said, adding that officers found the woman in the river and were investigating the circumstances surrounding her death.

🎥 WATCH | SIU Ekurhuleni Villa Liza Property Investigation Reporthttps://t.co/frniW1JPJv

South African Government (@GovernmentZA) September 16, 2026

Police have a person of interest

Reportedly, Investigators are now pursuing a person of interest as they examine possible links between the cases. Police have not revealed the person’s name, gender or precisely which case they may be connected to. Authorities have also not said whether the person is suspected of involvement in all eight deaths.

For now, police are maintaining a cautious position: the cases are being investigated individually, and investigators have not confirmed that the deaths were carried out by the same person or group. Acting Police Commissioner Puleng Dimpane said there had been one arrest as well as another person being pursued.

‘Since the discovery, we do have one arrest and one person we are pursuing.’

– Acting Police Commissioner Puleng Dimpane

A separate suspect arrested in connection with the first body discovered in July remains in custody. Police have not confirmed that this arrest is connected to any of the other women’s deaths.

R400 000 reward offered

With only two of the eight victims identified so far, police are appealing to members of the public to come forward with information that could help investigators make arrests. A R400 000 reward has reportedly been offered for information that could lead to arrests in the murder cases.

Police are offering a R400,000 reward for information that could help with the investigation into the deaths of the women in Ekurhuleni and bring those responsible to justice. Tune in to #eNCA #DStv403. pic.twitter.com/AFfI6SkB1b

eNCA (@eNCA) September 15, 2026

Police have stressed that they do not want to declare the cases connected before the evidence supports such a conclusion. At the same time, the number of victims and the short period in which the bodies were discovered have placed considerable focus on the investigation.

The reward is intended to encourage people with potentially important information to approach authorities.

Social media claims about Potchefstroom rejected

Meanwhile, police in the North West have reportedly pushed back against claims circulating on social media that a suspect linked to the Ekurhuleni murders had moved to Potchefstroom.

Messages circulating online alleged that a major police operation had been launched in the city because the suspect was believed to be there. North West police have dismissed those claims. The clarification is significant as the investigation continues to attract widespread attention online, where unverified information can quickly spread alongside genuine appeals for information.

For now, investigators have not publicly identified the person of interest or confirmed a link between that individual and all eight deaths. The investigation remains focused on establishing what happened to each woman, identifying those responsible and determining whether the cases are connected.

Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter, TikTok and Instagram

For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com

Featured Image: Siobhan Howerton / Pexels