South African police have intensified an investigation into the deaths of women in the Kempton Park area following the discovery of a fifth body in Gauteng, raising further questions about whether the cases could be connected.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) has not confirmed that a serial killer is responsible for the deaths. However, investigators are examining possible links between the cases after several bodies were discovered in the Kempton Park area under circumstances that police have described as concerning.
The latest development came with the discovery of a fifth body on Monday, as investigators continued working to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
The body of 38-year-old Elizabeth “Tsontso” Moselakgomo was positively identified by her family at the Germiston mortuary on Monday.
Acting National Commissioner of SAPS Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane expressed her condolences to Moselakgomo’s family and said police would pursue the investigation.
“We extend our deepest sympathies to the family and loved ones of Elizabeth during this extremely painful time,” Dimpane said.
“The loss of a loved one under such circumstances is devastating, and we assure the family that the SAPS will do everything within its powers to establish exactly what happened to Elizabeth and to ensure that those responsible are held accountable.”
National Police Spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said the latest development had prompted police to intensify the work of the multidisciplinary team investigating the cases.
The team comprises detectives and specialised policing resources tasked with establishing the circumstances surrounding each death, analysing available evidence and determining whether links exist between the cases.
Investigators are also pursuing leads that could help identify those responsible.
The investigation follows the discovery of bodies of women in and around the Kempton Park and Rhodesfield areas over recent weeks. Preliminary information previously released by police indicated similarities in some of the circumstances surrounding the deaths, including the locations where the bodies were found and visible injuries.
Those similarities have fuelled concerns about the possibility of a connection between the cases, but SAPS has cautioned against drawing conclusions before investigators have established the facts.
Dimpane has directed the multidisciplinary team to intensify the investigation and work around the clock to establish what happened in each case.
“We will not rest until we have established the truth. Where there is evidence linking individuals to these crimes, we will pursue them relentlessly and ensure that they face the full might of the law,” Dimpane said.
Police have also urged women in Kempton Park and surrounding areas to remain vigilant, particularly when walking or exercising alone in isolated locations.
Women have been advised to avoid secluded areas and, where possible, travel or exercise in groups.
The investigation has already resulted in one arrest. SAPS said a suspect was arrested in connection with the discovery of the first body in July and remains in custody.
The arrest, however, does not establish whether the suspect is connected to the other deaths.
Police are appealing to residents, motorists, security personnel and other members of the community who may have witnessed suspicious activity in Rhodesfield, Kempton Park or surrounding areas to provide information that could assist investigators.
For now, the key question remains unanswered: are the five deaths connected, or do they involve separate circumstances?
SAPS says the multidisciplinary investigation is intended to establish the facts, identify any links between the cases and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
Anyone with information that could assist the investigation can contact Warrant Officer Elvis Manyike on 082 465 7249.