South African President Cyril Ramaphosa says police will leave “no stone unturned” to find those behind the killing of several women around Kempton Park, northeast of Johannesburg.
The West Afrikan Post reports that the police have now linked eight deaths to their investigation after two more bodies were found on Tuesday. Most of the victims were discovered partially or fully naked over the past two months.
“These incidents are causing fear and uncertainty in our communities, and especially among women,” Ramaphosa said. He said he has ordered the cases to be prioritised.
Police say they are not yet calling it the work of a serial killer, but are probing whether a group is involved or whether copycat crimes are occurring.
” could be that it’s a copycat crime that is happening right here but so far, no linkages as yet,” spokesperson Brig Athlenda Mathe said.
One person arrested after the first body was found in mid-July remains in custody.
Acting Gauteng police chief Maj-Gen Fred Kekana said investigators reviewed recent reports after noticing a pattern. A body of a woman in her late 20s found in a river near a mall on September 7 was added to the probe, along with another body found Tuesday.
The second body was found in late August, with the rest discovered this month, including three since Monday.
So far only two victims have been identified. One was 38-year-old runner Elizabeth Moselakgomo, whose body was found Saturday.
Her disappearance last Wednesday after a daily run sparked a public search after her young daughter raised the alarm. Relatives identified her on Monday.
Police have offered a 400,000 rand [$24,500] reward for information leading to a breakthrough and urged women in the Kempton Park area, near the main international airport, to avoid walking or running alone in isolated areas.
The Commission for Gender Equality said the killings show women still face situations where everyday movement can become deadly.
South Africa has one of the highest rates of gender-based violence in the world, with UN Women data showing women are killed at five times the global average.
“Women should be able to run, walk to work, use public transport, return home… without having to calculate whether an ordinary activity could place their lives at risk,” the commission said.
Leave a comment