Kempton Park murders: Police minister weighs in after sixth body found

The Kempton Park murders have now reached the desk of Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia. 

His intervention comes as police investigate the deaths of several women around Ekurhuleni. Another woman’s body was found in KwaThema, Springs, adding to public concern. 

Cachalia says the investigation must establish whether the cases are connected and ensure those responsible face justice

WHY HAS THE POLICE MINISTER STEPPED IN?

Cachalia returned to South Africa after a working visit to China and immediately prioritised receiving an update on the investigation.

He and Acting National Commissioner Lieutenant-General Puleng Dimpane are meeting the investigating team. They will receive a briefing on the evidence gathered so far and the progress made.

The minister says the possibility of women being targeted demands urgent attention. He has also stressed the need for operational support and resources.

Cachalia has called the discovery of multiple women’s bodies deeply disturbing. He extended his condolences to their families and loved ones.

His involvement puts the Kempton Park murders firmly on the national policing agenda. It also comes as communities demand answers about the deaths and police response.

Cachalia has urged anyone with credible information to approach police. He has also warned people against spreading unverified claims or accusing suspects without evidence. 

WHERE WAS THE SIXTH WOMAN FOUND?

Police found the latest body in KwaThema, Springs. She was lying beside a road behind an old shopping mall.

Investigators have not established whether she was killed at that location. They must determine whether someone moved her body there after her death.

There is also no confirmation that this woman forms part of the Kempton Park investigation. 

Her identity and the circumstances surrounding her death still need to be established.

Meanwhile, three of the five women found in the Kempton Park and Olifantsfontein cases remain unidentified. Gauteng Health has appealed to families of missing women for assistance with identification.

Elizabeth “Tsontso” Moselakgomo, 38, was among those identified. Her family confirmed her identity at the Germiston mortuary.

DOES SAPS BELIEVE A SERIAL KILLER IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE KEMPTON PARK MURDERS?

Despite the similarities, the South African Police Service says it has not found evidence of a serial killer operating in Kempton Park.

National police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said some of the women had similar bruising and injuries. Several were also found partially clothed.

Those similarities concern investigators. However, police are still trying to establish whether the cases are connected.

The first woman found in July has also led police to an arrest. Her boyfriend remains in custody in connection with her death.

Mathe said investigators are now concentrating on finding possible links between the remaining cases.

That distinction matters as a series of murders does not automatically mean a serial killer is responsible.

Police need evidence linking separate killings to the same offender. Until investigators establish such a connection, the Kempton Park murders remain a collection of cases under investigation.

For families waiting for answers, the minister’s involvement offers another sign that authorities are treating the situation seriously. 

The crucial question now is whether the evidence will reveal one connection, several, or none.