The South African Police Service (SAPS) has intensified investigations into the deaths of eight women whose bodies were discovered in different parts of Ekurhuleni between July and September.
Acting National Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane confirmed during a media briefing on Tuesday, 15 September, that one suspect had been arrested in connection with the first murder recorded in July. The suspect remains in custody, while police are also pursuing another person of interest as investigators continue to establish possible links between the cases.
Dimpane said the first murder was recorded on 15 July in Kempton Park. Two further bodies were discovered in Kempton Park in August, followed by additional cases in Olifantsfontein, Kempton Park and KwaThema. The eighth body was discovered in Springs on 15 September. Police also identified a 7 September Olifantsfontein case during a review of cases that could be connected to the investigation.
As investigations continue, SAPS has offered a R400,000 reward for information that could assist police in making a breakthrough in the cases. Dimpane appealed to members of the public to provide any information they may have that could assist investigators.
Police have also appealed to families who have missing relatives to come forward and assist with the identification of victims. Dimpane said identifying the women would help investigators follow specific leads and advance the cases. A high-level multidisciplinary team has been established to investigate the deaths and determine whether there are links between the cases.
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