Four women found dead in Kempton Park: Police probe possible links as fear grips community - IOL

The SAPS has issued an urgent warning to women in Kempton Park after four women were found dead in the area, while investigators work to establish whether the deaths are linked or involve separate suspects.

The South African Police Service (SAPS) is investigating the deaths of four women whose bodies were discovered in the Kempton Park area between July and September, with police yet to establish whether the cases are linked.

Speaking during a media briefing on Sunday, acting Gauteng provincial police commissioner Major General Fred Kekana said the discovery of the bodies was deeply concerning.

Kekana said investigators were examining the cases as part of a multidisciplinary investigation involving detectives, forensic specialists, tracking teams, K9 units and the Investigative Psychology Unit.

“While there are similarities in some of the circumstances surrounding the cases, it would be premature at this stage to conclude that the four cases are linked or that they involve one perpetrator.

“Our responsibility is to establish the facts through evidence.”

The first victim, a 37-year-old woman, was discovered near the R21 on 15 July 2026. She was found naked and had been restrained with cable ties.

Police said investigators have already made progress, and a suspect is currently in custody.

The suspect was arrested on 17 July 2026, while the investigation into the matter is continuing.

The second body, that of a 32-year-old woman, was discovered near the R21 on 24 August 2026. She was also found partially clothed.

The third body, that of an unidentified woman, was discovered on 10 September 2026. The body was in an advanced state of decomposition and was found naked.

Police said, “At this stage, we have not yet been able to formally establish her identity”, and that the identification process is continuing.

The fourth body, that of a 38-year-old woman, was discovered on 12 September 2026 in Rhodesfield, at the back of a hotel in the area.

The woman was wearing sports clothing and was found partially clothed.

Her identity is still subject to formal confirmation by the family through the mortuary identification process.

On 12 September, the SAPS said it had intensified its search for a missing runner, 38-year-old Elizabeth Mokolo Moselakgomo, who disappeared after going for an afternoon run in Kempton Park on Wednesday, 9 September.

Moselakgomo’s eight-year-old daughter contacted family members after she did not return from her run, leading the family to report her disappearance to police.

Kekana said, given the number of cases and the circumstances surrounding them, a multidisciplinary team of experts had been mobilised to examine the investigations.

He said the team was analysing the individual dockets, evidence, timelines, locations, victim profiles and circumstances surrounding each case.

“We have also brought in specialists, including our Investigative Psychology Unit, to analyse behavioural patterns and possible linkages.”

He said the Provincial Tracking Team was also involved, while K9 Search and Rescue teams had been deployed to search relevant areas and assist investigators.

“The multidisciplinary team is meeting and comparing information from the respective investigations to determine whether there are any established links.”

Kekana said investigators were considering all possibilities.

“We are not limiting ourselves to one suspect or one theory.

“Once we have balanced and analysed all the available evidence, we will be able to determine whether these cases are connected, whether multiple suspects are involved, or whether these are separate investigations.”

He urged the public and the media not to speculate or prematurely link the cases.

“Our duty is to establish the truth, and we will allow the evidence to guide us.

“What is important at this point is that the police are treating these matters with the seriousness they deserve.”

Kekana said another issue had emerged from the work of the Kempton Park police station management that required an urgent public warning.

He said the station had identified a concerning number of cases involving people who meet individuals through online dating platforms and social media, only to subsequently become victims of robbery and, in some cases, rape.

“Approximately 10 cases have been reported at Kempton Park Police Station where individuals met people online and were subsequently lured to locations where they were allegedly robbed and/or sexually assaulted.”

He issued a stern warning to members of the public, particularly those using dating platforms.

Kekana said people must exercise extreme caution when meeting someone they have only interacted with online, not share unnecessary personal information and not allow strangers to lure them to isolated locations.

“When meeting someone for the first time, choose a public place and ensure that a trusted family member or friend knows where you are, who you are meeting and where you will be.

“If something does not feel right, leave immediately and seek assistance.”

He assured the community of Kempton Park that the necessary resources had been mobilised to support the investigations.

“Our detectives, forensic specialists, tracking teams, K9 teams and investigative psychology experts are working around the clock.

“We are following every credible lead and will leave no stone unturned in our efforts to establish exactly what happened to these women.

“Where there is evidence linking a suspect to a crime, we will act.

“Where arrests are made, suspects will face the full might of the law, subject to the outcome of the investigation and due process.”

Police appealed to the community to assist with information.

Anyone who may have information about these cases, suspicious activity in the affected areas, or the movements of any of the victims is urged to contact Warrant Officer Elvis Manyike on 082-465-7249.

Kekana appealed to families who may have relatives or loved ones who are missing and who have not yet reported them missing to immediately approach their nearest police station.

He urged women and young girls to take additional precautions when exercising, walking or running alone.

“This is not about restricting the freedom of women to move, exercise or live their lives. It is about taking reasonable precautions while the police continue with these investigations,” he added.

Kekana said the number of bodies discovered in the area is a serious concern to the police and acknowledged the anxiety and fear this is causing within the community, particularly among women.

“GBVF remains a priority crime, and the SAPS will continue to pursue perpetrators of violence against women and children with the urgency and seriousness that these crimes demand.”