Ekurhuleni women’s deaths: Latest shooting not linked as cemetery suspect arrested - IOL

A 23-year-old woman has been shot dead during an alleged early-morning robbery while on her way to work in Thembisa.

A 23-year-old woman has been shot and killed during an alleged robbery while on her way to work in Thembisa, as police continue investigating a string of deaths involving women whose bodies have been found across Ekurhuleni.

The woman was attacked in Temong, Mapungubwe Street, at about 05.45 on Monday, September 28.

Gauteng police spokesperson Brigadier Brenda Muridili said the woman was robbed of her belongings during the fatal attack.

“The woman was reportedly on her way to work when she was shot and killed during an alleged robbery. Her belongings were taken during the incident,” Muridili said.

Police have opened cases of murder and robbery.

The murder comes amid heightened concern over the deaths of women across Ekurhuleni, where 11 women’s bodies have reportedly been discovered since July.

The latest discovery was made in Springs on Sunday, September 27, when police were called to an open veld near Rhokana Road at about midday after a security company patrolling the area spotted a woman’s body.

The woman was reportedly found semi-naked near a railway line and appeared to have been strangled. The Ekurhuleni murder task team, detectives, Crime Intelligence, Crime Scene Management and Investigative Psychology Services were called to the scene.

That discovery came a day after another woman, identified as Ntombifuthu Nxumalo, was found dead at Mooifontein Cemetery in the Vusimusi section of Thembisa. She was found naked with serious head injuries.

The earlier cases include women whose bodies were discovered in Kempton Park, Pomona, Clayville, Olifantsfontein, KwaThema and Dawn Park. Several were found partially clothed or naked and in open or isolated areas. Police have been investigating whether any of the cases are connected.

However, police stressed that Monday morning’s murder in Thembisa has *not* been linked to the other deaths.

“Preliminary investigations have not established any link between this incident and the recent cases involving the bodies of women found in Ekurhuleni,” Muridili said.

Police have since arrested a suspect in connection with Nxumalo’s murder after investigators traced him from Tembisa to Limpopo.

According to Muridili, preliminary investigations established that Nxumalo had been drinking at a local tavern with a female acquaintance before leaving the premises with an unidentified man.

Residents living near the cemetery allegedly heard a woman screaming and pleading for her life at about 11pm.

Investigators initially traced the suspect to an address in Tembisa before establishing that he had travelled to Limpopo.

A joint team comprising Ekurhuleni District Crime Intelligence, Tembisa South detectives and the Head Office Investigations Psychology Services travelled to Mohlabaneng Village in Limpopo, where they enlisted the assistance of SAPS Bolobedu.

“The suspect was found asleep in his room and was arrested,” Muridili said.

The Gauteng Provincial Commissioner commended the multidisciplinary team for what police described as a swift response and investigative work that resulted in the arrest.

Police have identified the 23-year-old victim but are withholding her identity until her family has been formally informed.

“The deceased has been identified; however, her family is yet to be formally notified,” Muridili said.

No suspects had been arrested by Monday morning.

“No one has been arrested yet and the police are following up on leads,” Muridili said.

Police have appealed to anyone with information that could assist the investigation to contact their nearest police station or Crime Stop on 08600 10111. Tip-offs can also be submitted through the MySAPS App.