News Desk Reporter
The investigation into the deaths of women in Ekurhuleni has taken another turn, with police confirming that a ninth body has been found in the area.
The unidentified body was discovered in Dawn Park this morning, bringing to nine the number of bodies recovered in Ekurhuleni over the past two months.
Police said the latest case will form part of the ongoing investigations into the deaths of women in the area.
“The incident will be added to the investigations into the deaths of women in Ekurhuleni,” said police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi.
A multidisciplinary team of investigators and specialists has been mobilised to work on the cases and establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
Police are appealing to anyone with information that could assist the investigations to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or submit an anonymous tip-off through the MySAPS App.
Meanwhile, the family of 38-year-old Dineo Evelyn Motapane has positively identified her body at the Springs Mortuary.
Motapane was found beside a road in KwaThema, Springs, after her family said she was last seen alive on Sunday.
According to police, her family had not yet reported her missing when her body was discovered.
Acting National Commissioner Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane has extended her condolences to the Motapane family and assured the family and community that police investigations are continuing.
“Investigations into the murders of the eight women are being intensified,” said police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe.
Mathe said a multidisciplinary team of investigators and specialists was working around the clock to establish the circumstances surrounding each case, identify those responsible and ensure they are brought to justice.
Motapane is the third woman whose identity has been publicly confirmed.
The other identified victims are 38-year-old Elizabeth “Tsontso” Moselakgomo and 32-year-old Itumeleng Kekana, whose bodies were found in the Kempton Park area.
Police have not confirmed that all nine deaths are linked and continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding each case.
A R400,000 police reward is already on offer for information that could help investigators make a breakthrough in the cases.
The Democratic Alliance has now added another R500,000 to the reward for information that leads to the successful prosecution of those responsible for the deaths.
The additional reward was announced by DA Ekurhuleni mayoral candidate Khathutshelo Rasilingwane on Wednesday.
The party says information must first be formally reported to the South African Police Service, with proof of the police report provided to the DA for the reward to be considered.
The two rewards now put R900,000 on offer for information that helps bring those responsible to justice.