Emily Mgidi
Another shocking discovery has added to growing concern over the number of women found dead in Ekurhuleni in recent weeks.
The latest body was found in KwaThema, Springs, today.
Gauteng police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi confirmed the discovery and said the circumstances surrounding the woman’s death are being investigated.
Police have not confirmed that the deaths are connected. There is also no official confirmation that a serial killer is responsible.
One of the women previously found dead was 37 years old, while another was 32. Among the victims was runner Elizabeth Tsontso Moselakgomo, whose disappearance prompted concern after she failed to return home from a run.
Her eight-year-old daughter was among those left waiting for her mother to come home.
Investigators are examining the cases to determine whether they are linked.
“A multidisciplinary team has been established to investigate the deaths, while police have increased their presence in areas affected by the discoveries,” said Nevhuhulwi.
Police have appealed to anyone with information that could assist the investigation to come forward.
Gauteng police have also confirmed that the body of another young woman was found in Tembisa earlier this month.
The body was discovered on 7 September in a river in Clayville, near Dambusa Mall.
Acting Gauteng Police Commissioner Major General Fred Kekana said the woman was believed to be in her late twenties.
He said the case would be included in the wider investigation.
“This will include it as the seventh body, so that we don’t leave anything,” said Kekana.
In a statement, police said a high-level government delegation will meet this evening for a briefing on the discovery of seven women’s bodies in different parts of Gauteng.
The delegation will be led by Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia, Minister of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Sindisiwe Chikunga, Deputy Police Minister Polly Boshielo, Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi and Acting National Commissioner of SAPS Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane.
The meeting will focus on the progress of the investigations, the use of multidisciplinary expertise and measures to identify those responsible and bring them to justice.
The delegation will meet senior police management and investigators at the Gauteng provincial office in Parktown.
The meeting reflects the seriousness with which the government and police are treating the cases and their commitment to making the necessary resources and expertise available to the investigations.