SAPS responds to serial killer fears after fifth body found in Kempton Park - IOL

SAPS says it is too early to call a serial killer after a fifth woman’s body was found in Kempton Park on Monday.

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has responded to speculation about a possible serial killer after a fifth woman’s body was found in Kempton Park on Monday morning.

Speaking to IOL, national police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said that while there were similarities in the way some of the victims were found, it was premature to say the deaths were the work of a serial killer.

“We are simply not there yet. We are relying on experts to advise accordingly.

“More especially, we will be relying on the psychology section, the behaviour pattern to establish victim profile types and so forth.”

The fifth body was discovered in Olifantsfontein on Monday morning.

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

Police said investigators had made progress in the case and that a suspect was in custody.

The suspect was arrested on July 17, while the investigation continues.

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

The third body, that of an unidentified woman, was discovered on September 10, 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,” adding that the identification process was continuing.

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

The woman was wearing sports clothing and was found partially clothed. Her identity is still subject to formal confirmation through the mortuary identification process.

The discovery of the fifth body comes as police continue to investigate whether there is any link between the cases.