KwaThema body: Another victim identified as police probe murders of eight women - IOL

The victim has been identified as 38-year-old Dineo Evelyn Motapane.

Another victim has been identified following the discovery of a woman’s body on the side of the road in KwaThema, Springs, as police intensify investigations into the murders of eight women.

The victim has been identified as 38-year-old Dineo Evelyn Motapane, whose body was positively identified by her family at the Springs Mortuary on Wednesday afternoon.

According to South African Police Service (SAPS) police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe, Motapane was last seen alive on Sunday.

Her family had not reported her missing before her body was discovered.

The first body was discovered on July 15, when a 37-year-old woman was found naked and restrained with cable ties in an open field in Kempton Park.

A suspect, reportedly the victim's partner, was arrested in connection with her murder on July 17.

On August 3, Itumeleng Kekana's body was found in Kempton Park.

On September 7, the body of a woman believed to be in her late 20s was found in a river in Clayville, Olifantsfontein, near Thembisa Mall. 

Police said the woman was found without clothing apart from underwear.

Another unidentified woman's body was discovered in Olifantsfontein on the same day.

On September 10, an unidentified woman was found near Kempton Park. 

Her body was naked and in an advanced state of decomposition. Police were using forensic processes to establish her identity.

On September 12, the remains of 38-year-old Elizabeth “Tsontso” Moselakgomo were found partially naked and bruised in Rhodesfield, Kempton Park. 

Her family positively identified her on September 14.

On September 14, another unidentified woman's body was found in Olifantsfontein after a passer-by alerted authorities. 

Police said the body was partially naked and bruised.

On September 15, the body of Dineo Evelyn Motapane in Kwa-Thema, Springs. 

Her body was naked and in a state of decomposition.

Acting National Commissioner of SAPS Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane expressed her condolences to the Motapane family following the identification.

Dimpane also assured the family and the KwaThema community that police remain on the ground as investigations into the deaths of the eight women are intensified.

“A multidisciplinary team of investigators and specialists continues to work around the clock to establish the circumstances surrounding each case, identify those responsible and ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice,” said Dimpane.

The latest identification comes as investigators continue working to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths and determine whether there are links between the cases.