Police in South Africa investigate deaths of eight women in Ekurhuleni
In South Africa, police plan to expand the visible presence of law enforcement officers in Kempton Park and surrounding areas after the bodies of eight women were found in the Ekurhuleni municipality from July to September. A multidisciplinary team of specialists has been brought in for the investigation to determine whether these cases are connected.
As Daily Maverick reports, police have also announced a reward of 400,000 rand for information that could lead to the arrest of those responsible for the recent murders. Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia urged residents to cooperate with the investigation and not spread rumours and unverified reports on social media.
Increased police presence
South African police said they intend to expand the visible presence of law enforcement officers as part of Operation Shanela in Kempton Park and surrounding areas. Those involved in discussions of the investigation included Minister of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Sindisiwe Chikunga, Minister of Social Development Dina Pule, Deputy Police Minister Polly Boshielo, Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi and acting National Police Commissioner Puleng Dimpane.
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Bodies found
The first woman, aged 37, was found on 15 July in an open field near the R21 highway in Kempton Park. Her body was naked and bound with cable ties. One suspect was arrested in this case on 17 July and was reportedly believed to have been the deceased woman's partner.
Subsequently, the bodies of women were found in Kempton Park, Clayville, Olifantsfontein, Rhodesfield and KwaThema. In particular, on 12 September, the remains of 38-year-old Elizabeth "Tsonzo" Moselakgomo were found in Rhodesfield near the R21, and her family identified her on 14 September. The last of the eight bodies was found on 15 September behind Club 69 in KwaThema, Springs. It was an unidentified woman aged about 30 whose body was in a state of decomposition.
