Police have arrested a suspect linked to one of the murders and are hunting another person of interest after the discovery of eight women’s bodies in Ekurhuleni, with a R400 000 reward offered for information that could crack the cases. Acting National Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Puleng Dimpane is briefing the media on the latest developments.
Police have confirmed that eight women’s bodies have now been discovered in the Ekurhuleni area, with investigations continuing into the circumstances surrounding their deaths.
Acting National Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Puleng Dimpane said one suspect has been arrested in connection with one of the murders committed in July, while police are pursuing another person of interest.
SAPS has also announced a R400 000 reward for information that could lead to a breakthrough in the investigation and the apprehension of wanted suspect(s).
The latest development follows a high-level meeting at the SAPS Gauteng Provincial Head Office in Parktown involving Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia, Minister of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Sindisiwe Chikunga, Social Development Minister Dinah Pule, Deputy Minister of Police Dr Polly Boshielo, Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi and Dimpane.
The meeting was convened as police intensified investigations following the discovery of the bodies in and around Ekurhuleni.
Police have not established that all eight deaths are connected, and authorities have not confirmed that a single perpetrator is responsible.
The development comes a day after SAPS said it had increased police visibility and intensified investigations in the affected areas following the discovery of five women’s bodies.
In a statement, President Cyril Ramaphosa has also called for the cases to be prioritised and urged anyone with information to assist investigators.
“If anyone has information about these incidents or if you are missing a relative or friend, please contact Warrant Officer Elvis Manyike on 082 465 7249,” Ramaphosa said.
Members of the public can also provide information to Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or report information at their nearest police station.
Authorities are urging the public to avoid spreading unverified information while investigators work to establish whether and how the cases are linked.
Anyone with information that could assist the investigation is urged to come forward.
