Ekurhuleni lockdown planned as eight women are found dead - IOL

Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia has announced a shut down of Ekurhuleni in the coming weeks amid rising murders of women.

Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia has announced a shut down of Ekurhuleni in the coming weeks amid rising murders of women.

Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia has announced plans to shut down parts of Ekurhuleni, particularly Kempton Park and surrounding areas, as authorities intensify the hunt for those responsible for a growing number of killings of women.

The announcement follows the discovery of eight bodies across the area over the past two months, putting communities on edge and triggering an urgent police response.

Speaking during a joint media briefing on Tuesday, Cachalia said authorities were determined to uncover the truth and bring those responsible to justice.

“I want to give the people of Ekurhuleni and the families the assurance that we will leave no stone unturned to bring the culprits to book,” he said.

A dedicated investigative team has been established to probe the cases, while police will simultaneously step up efforts to prevent further killings.

Cachalia said Operation Shanela would be expanded in Kempton Park and surrounding areas, with residents expected to see a significantly increased law-enforcement presence in the coming weeks.

“Police will lock down this area in the coming weeks,” he said.

Authorities have also offered a R400,000 reward for information that could help identify those behind the killings.

Cachalia urged residents to report anything suspicious but warned against spreading unverified claims online, saying rumours and “wild speculation” on social media would not help investigators.

The reported discoveries include five cases in Kempton Park, two in Olifantsfontein and one in Kwa-Thema, with cases recorded between July and September.

The deaths have intensified pressure on authorities to establish whether the cases are connected and identify those responsible.