Samkelo Biyela
Police in Gauteng have discovered a body of a seventh woman who went missing in the township of Tembisa, East of Gauteng.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) has established a investigation following the discovery of several body’s of women who were allegedly kidnapped and murdered in various part of Kempton Park and the greater Ekurhuleni area.
Four women were initially identified by police between 15 July and 13 September in parts of Kempton Park. Great concern arised on a national scale following the discovery of the body of Elizabeth Moselakgomo (38).
Popularly known by her knickname ‘Tsotso’, Moselakgomo was the fourth woman found dead after she was reported missing. She was last seen on Wednesday, 9 September after leaving her home in Rhodesfield, Kempton Park for her afternoon run.
Moselakgomo’s murder drew bigger attention to this matter before a fifth body was discovered on Monday in Olifantsfontein, sparking greater concern.
The fifth body was discovered by a passer-by who reportedly spotted the women police have reported to have been partially naked with visible bruising.
On Sunday, SAPS announced the official establishment of a dedicated task team assigned to investigate the Kempton Park murders.
Specialist investigators, including members of the Murder and Robbery Unit and Investigative Psychology Unit, were brought into the investigation.
Although police have reported no connection between the bodies, the discoveries happening in the same broader area has raised suspicions of a common offender or a case of a serial killer.
A sixth woman’s body was found on Tuesday morning in KwaThema, Springs, approximately 45 kilometers from Kempton Park. Although authorities had still not reported anything, this discovery further cemented suspicions of there being a connection between the killings.
President Cyril Ramaphosa issued a statement expressing his concern and also stressing his commitment to the resolution of this development.
“I have spoken to the Minister of Police and the Acting National Police Commissioner, who have briefed me on the investigation. I have directed that these cases be prioritised and that no stone be left unturned in bringing those responsible to justice,” reads part of Ramaphosa’s statement issued via the Government Gazette.
A few hours after Ramaphosa’s call for action, police have discovered a seventh body. The body was found in Tembisa on Tuesday afternoon, marking the first double discovery in a single day.
Police are investigating the matter and continue to search for links between the seven bodies.
Gagasi FM News keeps a close eye on this developing story and will continue to provide updates as it unfolds.
