JOHANNESBURG – Police have offered a R400,000 reward for information that could help identify those responsible for the deaths of eight women in Ekurhuleni.
The announcement comes as investigators widen their probe following the latest discovery and work to establish whether the cases are connected. Read our previous report on Elizabeth “Tsontso” Moselakgomo’s identification
Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia announced the reward on Tuesday during a joint media briefing with senior government and police officials.
Acting National Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane confirmed that the eighth woman’s body was found in a river opposite Tembisa Mall.
Ekurhuleni women’s deaths under investigation
Police are investigating five bodies found in Kempton Park, two in Olifantsfontein and one in KwaThema.
Police have confirmed that most of the victims were sexually assaulted, while investigators continue to establish the circumstances surrounding each death.
However, Cachalia cautioned against drawing conclusions that the cases form a single pattern.
“At this stage, it is premature to speculate on patterns,” he said.
The minister said the cases appeared to be separate matters at this stage.
Dimpane also said police had not established that a serial killer was responsible for the deaths.
Police are currently pursuing a person of interest in connection with one of the cases. Dimpane said the individual is linked to one investigation.
Police previously arrested a suspect following the first reported death in July.
R400,000 reward and increased police presence
Cachalia said police would massively expand Operation Shanela in Kempton Park and surrounding areas.
Residents can expect an increased law-enforcement presence in the coming weeks as police intensify efforts to prevent further killings and gather information.
The minister urged residents to report suspicious activity to police rather than spread rumours or unverified claims on social media.
The R400,000 reward is available for information that could help police identify and arrest the perpetrator or perpetrators.
Ramaphosa orders priority investigation
President Cyril Ramaphosa has directed law-enforcement agencies to prioritise the investigation into the Ekurhuleni killings.
He said the deaths had caused fear and uncertainty, particularly among women, and called for those responsible to face justice.
Ramaphosa also appealed to members of the public to assist investigators with relevant information.
Anyone with information about the killings, or anyone looking for a missing relative or friend, can contact Warrant Officer Elvis Manyike on 082 465 7249.
The latest developments follow the identification of Elizabeth “Tsontso” Moselakgomo, whose family identified her body on Monday after she disappeared while out running.
The deaths have also renewed concerns about the GBV scourge in South Africa.
Africa Check’s analysis of South Africa’s femicide rate found that the country’s female homicide rate was about 12.2 per 100,000 women, roughly six times the global average. Read Africa Check’s analysis of South Africa’s femicide rate.
Developing story: This article will be updated as police release further information about the Ekurhuleni women’s deaths and the ongoing investigation.
