What officials have said
Newest first. Every entry is attributed exactly as the source wrote it and links to that source. Syndicated copies of the same quote are folded into the first appearance.
219 statements
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2026-09-28 citizen.co.zaPuleng Dimpane Acting National Commissioner, Lieutenant General, South African Police Service (SAPS)
Commends Gauteng police for the swift arrest and pledges to pursue perpetrators of murder and GBVF
“We will continue to pursue perpetrators of murder and gender-based violence and femicide and ensure that they face the full might of the law,” said Dimpane.
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2026-09-28 citizen.co.zaAthlenda Mathe Police spokesperson, Brigadier, South African Police Service (SAPS)
Investigation into the other women's bodies found in Ekurhuleni is ongoing
Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said the investigation and tracing of perpetrators linked to other women's bodies found in Ekurhuleni is still underway, with police following all available leads.
linkage unconfirmed multiple perpetrators other -
2026-09-28 thesouthafrican.comBrenda Muridili Brigadier, Gauteng police spokesperson, SAPS (Gauteng)
Witness accounts of screaming near Mooifontein Cemetery
“Residents living near the cemetery told investigators that they allegedly heard a woman screaming and pleading for her life at about 11pm,” Muridili said.
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2026-09-28 citizen.co.zaBrenda Muridili Police spokesperson, Brigadier, South African Police Service
Victim identified but family not yet formally notified
“The deceased has been identified; however, her family is yet to be formally notified.
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2026-09-28 joburgetc.comGauteng police Gauteng police
Police characterise the killing as an apparent robbery
Gauteng police described the shooting as an apparent robbery in which the woman's belongings were taken.
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2026-09-28 sabcnews.comBrenda Muridili Gauteng police spokesperson, South African Police Service (Gauteng)
Police tracing a person of interest in the Tembisa murder
“We are pursuing a person of interest, the police’s local tracing team and Tembisa police officers are hot on the heels of the person of interest that we believe will shed more light as to what transpired during the incident this morning.”
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2026-09-28 soapoperaspy.comPuleng Dimpane Acting National Commissioner, Lieutenant General, South African Police Service (SAPS)
Commendation of Gauteng police for the swift arrest of a suspect in the Thembisa case
the Acting National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS), Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane, has commended Gauteng police for the swift apprehension of a suspect.
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2026-09-28 iol.co.zaBrenda Muridili Gauteng police spokesperson, Brigadier, SAPS
Post-mortem to establish cause of the man's death
Muridili said a post-mortem examination will be conducted to establish the exact cause of his death.
cause of death -
2026-09-28 citizen.co.zaSouth African Police Service (Saps) South African Police Service
Discovery of the estranged husband's body and suspected cause of death
“The team was subsequently informed by the Midrand Police Station that his vehicle had been found within its policing precinct, with his body inside,” the police said. “It is believed that he may have ingested an unknown substance, as no foul play is suspected at this stage.”
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2026-09-28 bbc.comCyril Ramaphosa President, Republic of South Africa
President's reaction to the killings of the women
President Cyril Ramaphosa tok say di killing of these women plus odas na "stain on our national conscience".
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2026-09-28 bbc.comSouth African Human Rights Commission human rights commission, South African Human Rights Commission
Number of women killed nationally between April and June 2026
South African Human Rights Commission last week say dem kill 569 women between April and June dis year.
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2026-09-28 dailymaverick.co.zaBrenda Muridili Brigadier, Gauteng SAPS spokesperson, SAPS (Gauteng)
Death of Boitumelo Nhlanzi's estranged husband, a person of interest found dead in his vehicle in Midrand
“It is believed that he may have ingested an unknown substance, as no foul play is suspected at this stage. A post-mortem examination will be conducted to determine the exact cause of death,” said Gauteng SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Brenda Muridili.
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2026-09-28 dailymaverick.co.zaTebello Mosikili Deputy National Police Commissioner, SAPS
Possible relationship-related motive, including a 'love triangle', in the Jabulile Ntimba murder
Deputy National Police Commissioner Tebello Mosikili said investigators believed the killing might have stemmed from a relationship-related matter, including a possible “love triangle”.
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2026-09-28 dailymaverick.co.zaGérard Labuschagne Former SAPS profiler, formerly SAPS
Argues the cases should be treated as serial until evidence shows otherwise
Former SAPS profiler Gérard Labuschagne has argued that investigators should treat the cases as serial until evidence shows otherwise, pointing to the proximity of the killings, their timing and the similarities between the victims.
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Gauteng Provincial Commissioner Gauteng Provincial Commissioner, SAPS
Commendation of the joint team whose work led to the suspect's arrest
The Gauteng Provincial Commissioner commended the multidisciplinary team for the swift response and investigative work that led to the arrest.
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2026-09-27 citizen.co.zaPuleng Dimpane acting national police commissioner, Lieutenant General, South African Police Service (Saps)
Commends Gauteng police for the same-day arrest of a suspect linked to the Mooifontein Cemetery murder and pledges to pursue GBVF perpetrators
“I commend this multidisciplinary team for their swift response, coordination and determination, which resulted in the apprehension of the suspect on the same day. This is the kind of policing we expect from our members. We will continue to pursue perpetrators of murder and gender-based violence and femicide and ensure that they face the full might of the law,” said Dimpane.
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2026-09-27 sabcnews.comPuleng Dimpane Acting National Commissioner, Lieutenant General, South African Police Service (SAPS)
Arrest of a suspect in connection with the murder of the woman found at Mooifontein Cemetery
BREAKING NEWS | Police have arrested a suspect in connection with the murder of a woman whose body was discovered at Mooifontein Cemetery in Tembisa on Saturday morning. Acting National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS), Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane,…
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2026-09-27 witness.co.zaBrenda Muridili Gauteng police spokesperson, Brigadier, South African Police Service (Gauteng)
Resources deployed to the Springs scene, including the Ekurhuleni murder task team
“All necessary role-players have been mobilised, including the task team investigating the Ekurhuleni murder cases, Crime Scene Management, Investigative Psychology Services (IPS), detectives and Crime Intelligence,” Muridili said.
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2026-09-27 witness.co.zaPuleng Dimpane Acting national police commissioner, Lieutenant General, South African Police Service
Commitment to pursuing perpetrators of murder and gender-based violence and femicide
We will continue to pursue perpetrators of murder and gender-based violence and femicide and ensure that they face the full might of the law.
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2026-09-27 soapoperaspy.comTommy Mthombeni Provincial police chief, South African Police Service (Gauteng)
Cause of death of the 10th woman found; post-mortem to follow
Provincial police chief Tommy Mthombeni said the victim appeared to have been stoned to death, and a post-mortem examination would be conducted to determine the cause of death.
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2026-09-27 soapoperaspy.comGerard Labuschagne former SAPS investigative psychology chief and forensic psychologist, formerly South African Police Service
SAPS policy provides for an Investigative Psychology / serial-murder task team in such circumstances
Gerard Labuschagne says SAPS policy specifically provides for Investigative Psychology and trained serial-murder investigators to form a task team in circumstances like these.
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2026-09-27 soapoperaspy.comIan Cameron chairperson of Parliament's Portfolio Committee on Police, Parliament of South Africa, Portfolio Committee on Police
Linkage between the first six cases not asserted by SAPS; multidisciplinary team established
He said, "SAPS has not said that all six cases are connected," and that police had "established a multidisciplinary team involving specialist detectives, forensic experts, tracking capability, K9 resources and investigative psychology."
linkage unconfirmed task team count update -
2026-09-27 dailymaverick.co.zaCyril Ramaphosa President, South African government
National call to protect women and girls
âAs a nation, we must stand up for the rights, safety and dignity of women and girls,â said Ramaphosa.
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2026-09-27 dailymaverick.co.zaTebello Mosikili Deputy National Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General, SAPS
Possible 'love triangle' motive in the Ntimba murder
Mosikili also stated that Ntimbaâs murder may have stemmed from a âlove triangleâ, highlighting how individual cases in this string of crimes carry unique circumstances despite broader pattern similarities.
linkage unconfirmed modus operandi other -
2026-09-27 dailymaverick.co.zaGérard Labuschagne Professor, former SAPS profiler
Argument that the murders should be treated as serial killings until proven otherwise
Former SAPS profiler Professor Gérard Labuschagne has argued that, âdue to the relatively close geographic proximity and time-frame of the murders and the similar victimologyâ, investigators should treat the murders as serial killings until evidence shows otherwise.
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2026-09-27 dailymaverick.co.zaRachel Jewkes Professor, executive scientist, South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC)
Impunity for men who kill women
âThe vast majority of men who kill, kill with impunity. If men donât think theyâre going to get punished in any way, why on earth should they stop what theyâre doing?â
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2026-09-27 dailymaverick.co.zaMara Glennie Founder and GBV survivor, Tears Foundation
Need for sustained investment in justice-system infrastructure rather than episodic attention
âUltimately, high-profile media coverage treats systemic violence as a series of isolated, shocking episodes. True, lasting change only occurs when the infrastructure of the justice system, such as DNA processing times, police accountability and victim support services, is funded and maintained long after the headlines disappear.â
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2026-09-27 dailymaverick.co.zaLisa Vetten Honorary research associate, Wits Institute for Social and Economic Research
Caution against crisis language replacing analysis
âSo itâs the fact that I think we tend to go straight to the language of crisis and disaster rather than to analysis of what is actually going on that is really getting in the way here.â
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2026-09-27 dailymaverick.co.zaCyril Ramaphosa President, Republic of South Africa
Call for national action on violence against women
“As a nation, we must stand up for the rights, safety and dignity of women and girls,” said Ramaphosa.
other -
2026-09-27 dailymaverick.co.zaTebello Mosikili Deputy National Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General, SAPS
Possible motive in Ntimba murder; individual cases have unique circumstances
Mosikili also stated that Ntimba’s murder may have stemmed from a “love triangle”, highlighting how individual cases in this string of crimes carry unique circumstances despite broader pattern similarities.
modus operandi linkage unconfirmed -
2026-09-27 dailymaverick.co.zaGérard Labuschagne Professor, former SAPS profiler, formerly SAPS
Argues murders should be treated as serial killings until proven otherwise
Former SAPS profiler Professor Gérard Labuschagne has argued that, “due to the relatively close geographic proximity and time-frame of the murders and the similar victimology”, investigators should treat the murders as serial killings until evidence shows otherwise.
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2026-09-27 dailymaverick.co.zaRachel Jewkes Professor, executive scientist, South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC)
Impunity for men who kill women
“The vast majority of men who kill, kill with impunity. If men don’t think they’re going to get punished in any way, why on earth should they stop what they’re doing?”
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2026-09-27 dailymaverick.co.zaMara Glennie Founder, GBV survivor, Tears Foundation
Need for sustained investment rather than episodic attention to the Ekurhuleni killings
“Ultimately, high-profile media coverage treats systemic violence as a series of isolated, shocking episodes. True, lasting change only occurs when the infrastructure of the justice system, such as DNA processing times, police accountability and victim support services, is funded and maintained long after the headlines disappear.”
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2026-09-27 dailymaverick.co.zaLisa Vetten Honorary research associate, Wits Institute for Social and Economic Research
Warning against crisis framing replacing analysis
“So it’s the fact that I think we tend to go straight to the language of crisis and disaster rather than to analysis of what is actually going on that is really getting in the way here.”
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2026-09-26 surgezirc.co.zaBrenda Muridili spokesperson, SAPS Gauteng
Further information to follow once preliminary investigations are done
Further information will be provided as soon as preliminary investigations have been conducted," said Muridili.
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2026-09-26 citizen.co.zaFiroz Cachalia Acting Minister of Police, Ministry of Police
Commitment to strengthen victim-support services for GBVF victims
Cachalia said the Ministry would continue working with SAPS management and other stakeholders to strengthen victim-support services and ensure GBVF victims receive the assistance they require.
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2026-09-26 citizen.co.zaPanyaza Lesufi Gauteng Premier, Gauteng Provincial Government
Pledge to address the high concentration of liquor outlets as a contributing factor to GBVF
Lesufi pledged to address the matter as part of broader efforts to strengthen community safety and curb alcohol-related violence.
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2026-09-26 witness.co.zaBrenda Muridili Gauteng police spokesperson, South African Police Service (Gauteng)
Crime scene management is on the scene; more information to follow after preliminary investigations
Crime scene management and all the necessary role players are currently on the scene. Further information will be provided as soon as preliminary investigations have been conducted.
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2026-09-26 witness.co.zaFred Kekana Gauteng acting provincial commissioner, Major General, South African Police Service (Gauteng)
Dawn Park victim was killed elsewhere and her body dumped at the scene
Gauteng acting provincial commissioner Major General Fred Kekana previously said preliminary information indicated that the woman found in Dawn Park had been killed elsewhere before her body was dumped at the scene.
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2026-09-26 thesouthafrican.comTommy Mthombeni Gauteng Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General, SAPS
Specialist resources including investigative psychology and forensics deployed
Mthombeni said specialist resources had been deployed to strengthen the investigation, including investigative psychology and forensic expertise.
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2026-09-26 thesouthafrican.comTommy Mthombeni Gauteng Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General, SAPS
Evidence at the Mooifontein Cemetery scene suggests the woman may have been stoned
Gauteng Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni said evidence at the scene suggested the woman may have been stoned.
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2026-09-26 sabcnews.comTommy Mthombeni Gauteng Provincial Police Commissioner, South African Police Service (Gauteng)
Progress of the investigation: leads in one case, the new Thembisa case still at initial stage, two-pronged intervention
“We are progressing, we are moving, and there is one case in which we have progressed, and we are moving on the leads. But for this one, it’s still at the initial stage, where we are putting our resources together to ensure that we see this matter is resolved. And I said to you, we have put the intervention into two multi-approaches,”
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2026-09-26 bbc.comTommy Mthombeni Gauteng Police Commissioner (Lt Gen), South African Police Service
Serial killer neither ruled out nor confirmed
"For now, it's not something which we can overrule to say there's a serial killer, but we cannot conclusively indicate as such," Lt Gen Mthombeni said.
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2026-09-26 bbc.comSouth African Human Rights Commission national human rights commission, South African Human Rights Commission
Statistics on women killed and surviving attempted murder, April-June 2026
the South African Human Rights Commission said last week that 569 women were killed and 1,052 others survived attempted murder between April and June this year
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2026-09-26 thesouthafrican.comPuleng Dimpane Acting National Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General, SAPS
Commissioner's comment on policing standards following the arrest
“This is the kind of policing we expect from our members.”
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2026-09-25 timeslive.co.zaGugu Shabalala mental health and psychosocial support manager, Centre for the Study of Violence and Reconciliation, Johannesburg
What is needed to address mob justice beyond condemning communities
Rebuilding trust requires visible, responsive and accountable policing, as well as stronger links between communities and the courts.
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2026-09-25 timeslive.co.zaSizwe Buthelezi former MMC for community safety, eMalahleni municipality
Buthelezi has no details on why Radebe was attacked; saw circulating video
I also saw the video of Vusi on social media two days after the incident.
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2026-09-25 timeslive.co.zaCol Mavela Masondo police spokesperson, Mpumalanga police
Police investigating a murder case over Radebe's killing and hunting suspects; motive unconfirmed
The motive for the attack cannot be confirmed at this stage and forms part of the ongoing investigation
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2026-09-25 timeslive.co.zaNombuso Shabangu council speaker, eMalahleni council
Condolences and condemnation of vigilante violence in response to GBV fears
eMalahleni council speaker Nombuso Shabangu expressed condolences to Radebe's family and said that while the frustration, fear and anger surrounding gender-based violence and femicide are deeply understood, violence cannot be answered with more violence.
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2026-09-25 citizen.co.zaFiroz Cachalia Acting Minister of Police, Ministry of Police
Oversight visit to Ekurhuleni; inspection of GBV desks and Victim Friendly Rooms against the backdrop of the nine bodies
Against the backdrop of recent tragedies in Ekurhuleni, including the discovery of nine bodies, Cachalia inspected GBV desks and Victim Friendly Rooms at police stations and engaged with officials responsible for supporting victims.
other count update -
2026-09-21 citizen.co.zaAthlenda Mathe Police spokesperson, Brigadier, South African Police Service (Saps)
Court appearance of the three suspects and further details to be given in court
Mathe said the trio is expected to appear today before the Boksburg Park Magistrates’ Court.
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2026-09-21 citizen.co.zaPuleng Dimpane Acting Saps National Commissioner, Lieutenant General, South African Police Service (Saps)
Police are seized with all nine murder cases, each receiving priority attention
“We remain committed to ensuring that these investigations are pursued with the urgency and determination they require. Our investigators are following all available leads and are working tirelessly to bring those responsible to justice,” said Dimpane.
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2026-09-21 citizen.co.zaDimakatso Nevhuhulwi Police spokesperson, Colonel, South African Police Service (Saps) – Gauteng
Discovery of a woman's body in a dam at Moroka, Soweto, at 5pm; inquest opened
“The victim is estimated to be in her twenties. The circumstances surrounding the incident are unknown at this stage.”
identification other -
2026-09-21 citizen.co.zaFiroz Cachalia Acting Police Minister
Whether the cases are linked; differing modus operandi and motives
“All the cases are not necessarily linked, and there is some indication of different modus operandi and motives. But nothing yet has been excluded while investigations are ongoing,” Cachalia said.
linkage unconfirmed modus operandi serial possible -
2026-09-21 citizen.co.zaCyril Ramaphosa President
Presidential directive to police to use every means, including surveillance technology
President Cyril Ramaphosa directed that the police do whatever it takes to bring those responsible for the murders to justice, ordering the use of every means available, including the latest surveillance technology to track down the criminals.
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2026-09-21 citizen.co.zaAthlenda Mathe police spokesperson, Brigadier, South African Police Service (Saps)
Police release the identities of the nine women murdered in Ekurhuleni
As police intensify their investigation into the grim series of murders, police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe shared the details of the nine women whose murders have gripped the country.
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2026-09-21 citizen.co.zaFiroz Cachalia Acting Police Minister
Serial killer not confirmed but cannot be ruled out
Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia says investigators have yet to confirm the presence of a serial killer in Ekurhuleni – but with nine women murdered in recent months, the possibility cannot be ruled out.
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2026-09-21 courthousenews.comNational Prosecuting Authority prosecutors (spokesperson not named), National Prosecuting Authority (NPA)
Accused allegedly knew the victim and were with her on the night
“It is alleged that the accused were known to the deceased and were together with her on the night of the incident,” the NPA said.
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Tebello Mosikili Deputy Police Chief, South African Police Service
Pace of the investigations and pressure to make arrests
“We are not going to rush these investigations simply to make arrests. We owe it to the victims, we owe it to their families and we owe it to justice to get this right,” Mosikili said.
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2026-09-21 courthousenews.comCyril Ramaphosa President, Government of South Africa
Additional resources pledged against violence against women
“We are going to be deploying more money, more resources, more technology, to ensure that we deal with the fear that women are now subjected to,” he said.
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Puleng Dimpane Acting National Commissioner of the SAPS, Lieutenant General, South African Police Service (SAPS)
Police are handling all nine murder cases as priority
The Acting National Commissioner of the SAPS, Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane, says police are seized with all nine murder cases, with each case receiving priority attention.
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2026-09-21 cbsnews.comCyril Ramaphosa President, Government of South Africa
Presidential pledge of accountability and extra resources to find the perpetrators
"We will be pulling out all stops to find these perpetrators," he told journalists, vowing additional measures to tackle violence against women. "We are going to be deploying more money, more resources, more technology, to ensure that we deal with the fear that women are now subjected to," he said.
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2026-09-21 cbsnews.comFiroz Cachalia acting Police Minister, South African Police Ministry
Links between cases not yet established; multidisciplinary investigation set up to examine possible links
"While the investigation must establish whether these cases are linked, the possibility that a perpetrator or perpetrators may be targeting women demands our urgent and determined attention," acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia said in a statement. "A multidisciplinary investigation has been established to examine possible links between the cases"
linkage unconfirmed serial possible multiple perpetrators task team -
2026-09-21 cbsnews.comSouth African Police Service South African Police Service
Public warning for women to be cautious when jogging in the area
The South African Police Service has issued a public warning for women to be cautious when doing activities like jogging in the area.
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2026-09-21 cbsnews.comCommission for Gender Equality Commission for Gender Equality
Call for urgent preventive action and a safety audit of the affected areas
The Commission for Gender Equality has called for urgent preventive action, including a safety audit of the affected areas involving police, municipal officials, transport authorities and community safety structures.
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2026-09-21 cbsnews.comJavu Baloyi commission spokesperson, Commission for Gender Equality
Criticism that attention to the area came only after killings
"Women should not have to be killed before an area receives heightened attention," commission spokesperson Javu Baloyi said.
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Cyril Ramaphosa President, Government of South Africa
Presidential directive that the investigation receive highest attention; specialised team elevated to Deputy National Commissioner: Detective Services
As the President Cyril Ramaphosa has directed that the investigation into these heinous killings must receive the highest level of attention from government and law-enforcement agencies, the multidisciplinary specialised team established to investigate the cases, has been elevated to be coordinated by the Deputy National Commissioner: Detective Services.
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Inter-Ministerial Committee on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (IMC on GBVF) Inter-Ministerial Committee, Department of Social Development / South African Government
Psycho-social support to families of identified victims
The Department of Social Development has commenced providing psycho-social support to the families of the identified victims in line with the families needs.
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NATJOINTS National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure, South African Police Service / law enforcement
Increased law enforcement visibility under an expanded Operation Shanela
NATJOINTS has increased law enforcement visibility in the area under Operation Shanela which is also beneficial in the general fight against crime with arrests made on unrelated crimes, The expanded Operation Shanela includes participation of Metro Police of the three metro municipalities.
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2026-09-20 citizen.co.zaFiroz Cachalia Police minister, Ministry of Police
Call to action on gender-based violence
“Let these even spur us to further action. We cannot accept gender-based violence as a permanent reality. It must come to an end.”
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2026-09-20 citizen.co.zaSindisiwe Chikunga Minister of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities
Public warning urging contact with female relatives and prompt missing-person reports
She urged people to be in constant contact with their female relatives in the city and urgently report them missing, if needed.
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2026-09-20 dailymaverick.co.zaCyril Ramaphosa President, Republic of South Africa
Presidential call for South Africans to stand up for women's rights after the Ekurhuleni discoveries
President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on South Africans to stand up for women’s rights.
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2026-09-20 dailymaverick.co.zaJerome September President of the South African Association of Senior Student Affairs Professionals and Dean of Student Affairs at Wits University; served on the Ministerial Task Team on Sexual Harassment and Gender-Based Violence and Harm in South African Universities, Wits University / South African Association of Senior Student Affairs Professionals
Opinion author argues outrage is insufficient and calls for institutional accountability on gender-based violence, including implementation of the 2024 Ministerial Task Team report
The women whose bodies were found in Ekurhuleni deserve more than our outrage. Their families deserve justice.
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2026-09-19 aljazeera.comCyril Ramaphosa President, Republic of South Africa
Presidential instruction to police to pursue justice and call on men to help prevent violence against women
President Cyril Ramaphosa, who urged men to play a greater part in preventing violence against women and girls, has ordered the police to leave “no stone unturned” in their pursuit of justice.
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2026-09-19 aljazeera.comFred Kekana police commissioner of the Gauteng province, South African Police Service (Gauteng)
Caution against concluding a serial killer is responsible; all possibilities including multiple or separate perpetrators under consideration
“Investigators are considering all possibilities, including the possibility of multiple suspects or separate perpetrators,” said Kekana. “Police are comparing the evidence, timelines, locations, victim profiles and circumstances of each case before reaching conclusions.”
linkage unconfirmed multiple perpetrators task team other -
2026-09-19 aljazeera.comTebello Mosikili Deputy police commissioner, South African Police Service
Detained suspect's court appearance, remand in custody and unverified information about the suspect's nationality
Deputy police commissioner Tebello Mosikili said the suspect appeared in court on Wednesday and would remain in custody. Police received information suggesting the suspect was not a South African national and were working to verify that, Mosikili said.
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2026-09-19 aljazeera.comPuleng Dimpane Acting national police commissioner, South African Police Service
Police looking into a person of interest
Acting national police commissioner Puleng Dimpane also said police were looking into a person of interest, but it was unclear whether she was referring to the same suspect.
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2026-09-19 aljazeera.comPanyaza Lesufi Gauteng premier, Gauteng Provincial Government
Confidence that the perpetrators will be caught by law enforcement
“We’ll get them,” he told South African media. “And I have trust in the law enforcement agencies.”
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2026-09-19 aljazeera.comNational Shelter Movement of South Africa (NSMSA) organisation that funds shelters for women and children affected by gender-based violence, National Shelter Movement of South Africa
Criticism of safety messaging that places the onus on women to prevent violence
“Safety messaging should not imply that women can prevent violence simply by making different choices,” the organisation told Al Jazeera. “The responsibility for violence lies with perpetrators, while the responsibility for protection lies with society and the state.”
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2026-09-19 aljazeera.comPhilisiwe Gabela official with the country's Commission for Gender Equality, Commission for Gender Equality
Rejection of the idea that the killings stem from women's lack of vigilance
“We are not dealing with an issue of women who are not vigilant,” added Philisiwe Gabela, an official with the country’s Commission for Gender Equality.
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2026-09-19 aljazeera.comPrincess Eurika Mogane commissioner at South Africa's Commission for Gender Equality, Commission for Gender Equality
The killings as part of a broader crisis of violence against South African women
Princess Eurika Mogane, a commissioner at South Africa’s Commission for Gender Equality, told Al Jazeera the latest killings reflect the broader crisis facing South African women. “This is a war. It feels like individuals are being hunted,” she said.
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2026-09-19 aljazeera.comUN South Africa United Nations
UN characterisation of the killings as part of persistent deadly violence against women and girls
The UN South Africa said the killings are not “isolated tragedies”. “They reflect the persistent and deadly violence faced by women and girls in South Africa.”
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2026-09-18 citizen.co.zaAthlenda Mathe Police spokesperson, Brigadier, South African Police Service (Saps)
Intensified policing operations in Kempton Park and ongoing investigations
Mathe said that as Kempton Park remains under intensified policing operations, “investigations into these murders remain ongoing.”
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2026-09-18 citizen.co.zaPuleng Dimpane Acting National Commissioner, Lieutenant General, South African Police Service (Saps)
Condolences to Nkomo's family and commitment to pursue every lead
“Our investigators remain seized with these cases, and we will continue to pursue every available lead to ensure that those responsible for these murders are brought to justice,” said Dimpane.
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2026-09-18 citizen.co.zaPanyaza Lesufi Gauteng Premier, Gauteng Provincial Government
Rejection of criticism that the state acted slowly
Lesufi rejected criticism that the state was slow to act, insisting that operations are evidence‑driven.
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2026-09-18 novanews.co.zaDr TD Ngoveni criminologist, department of criminology and security science, UNISA
Geographic pattern: serial offenders operate within one area
“In most cases, a serial killer uses one area. They choose a specific place and identify an area where they can carry out their criminal activities,” Ngoveni said.
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2026-09-18 novanews.co.zaChristiaan Bezuidenhout Professor, criminologist
Suspect's forensic awareness and monitoring of media coverage
“In a way, they also listen to what’s happening. They follow the news,” Bezuidenhout said, referring to previous serial killers who monitored investigations and media reports.
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2026-09-18 novanews.co.zaAthlenda Mathe Brigadier, national police spokesperson, South African Police Service
Suspect shifted body disposal sites away from Kempton Park after intensive police searches
National police spokesperson Brig. Athlenda Mathe acknowledged that the suspect had moved the sites where bodies were disposed of further away, after police began searching Kempton Park intensively.
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2026-09-18 iol.co.zaTebello Mosikili Deputy National Police Commissioner for policing, Lieutenant General, South African Police Service
Ongoing round-the-clock intelligence operations directing where police deploy
"The intelligence operations are continuing. Some teams have been working throughout the night and have not slept. One team even had to drive to another location.
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2026-09-18 iol.co.zaFiroz Cachalia Acting Police Minister, Ministry of Police
Government prioritisation; the President declaring the matter a national crisis
"The government has prioritised this matter. The President has declared this a national crisis.
other -
2026-09-18 iol.co.zaPuleng Dimpane Acting National Police Commissioner, Lieutenant-General, South African Police Service
Task team ordered to lead the investigation, drawing on specialised units
Dimpane has ordered a task team to lead investigations into the Kempton Park murders. The team will include detectives from specialised units, including the Murder and Robbery Unit and the Investigative Psychology Unit.
task team -
2026-09-17 citizen.co.zaAthlenda Mathe Police spokesperson, Brigadier, South African Police Service (Saps)
Multidisciplinary investigation team working on each case
Mathe said a multidisciplinary team of investigators and specialists continues to work around the clock to establish the circumstances surrounding each case, identify those responsible and ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice.
task team other -
2026-09-17 citizen.co.zaPuleng Dimpane Acting National Commissioner, Lieutenant General, South African Police Service
Condolences to Motapane's family, relayed by spokesperson Mathe
“The Acting National Commissioner of the South African Police Service, Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane, has sent her condolences to the family of 38-year-old Dineo Evelyn Motapane.
identification other -
2026-09-17 citizen.co.zaNeeshan Balton Executive Director, Ahmed Kathrada Foundation
GBVF described as a national crisis requiring decisive intervention
Balton stressed that gender‑based violence and femicide (GBVF) is a national crisis that requires decisive intervention.
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2026-09-17 citizen.co.zaPanyaza Lesufi Gauteng Premier, Gauteng Provincial Government
Call for the public to remain calm but resolute
“Someone has declared war against us, and we will not retreat. The state has the capacity to respond, and we will ensure that good governance, accountability, and justice prevail.”
public warning other -
2026-09-17 citizen.co.zaFred Kekana Major-General, South African Police Service
Condition of the ninth body and appeal for public information
Major-General Fred Kekana says the ninth body discovered in Ekurhuleni, that of a woman, had stab wounds. He has appealed to community members to assist police with any information that could aid the investigation.
cause of death public warning count update -
2026-09-17 capetownetc.comSouth African Police Service (SAPS) police service (institutional statement; no individual named), South African Police Service (SAPS)
Police caution that linkage between the deaths is not established
SAPS has cautioned against assuming that all eight deaths were committed by the same person or group. Investigators are examining forensic evidence and the circumstances surrounding each case before concluding.
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2026-09-17 capetownetc.comGauteng Health provincial health department (institutional statement; no individual named), Gauteng Department of Health
Appeal to families of missing women to assist identification of the bodies
Gauteng Health has also appealed to families of missing women to come forward as forensic teams work to identify some of the bodies.
identification public warning -
2026-09-17 capetownetc.comAthletics South Africa national athletics federation (institutional statement; no individual named), Athletics South Africa
Athletics SA calls for women's safety while exercising after Moselakgomo's death
Her death prompted Athletics South Africa to call for women to be able to run, walk and exercise without fearing for their safety.
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2026-09-17 aljazeera.comFred Kekana police commissioner for South Africa's Gauteng province, South African Police Service (Gauteng province)
Comparison of evidence across cases; too early to link killings to a serial killer though similarities are concerning
“Police are comparing the evidence, timelines, locations, victim profiles and circumstances of each case,” Kekana said, adding that while it is too early to connect the killings to a serial killer, “the similarities in the cases were concerning”.
linkage unconfirmed serial possible modus operandi -
2026-09-17 aljazeera.comCyril Ramaphosa President, Republic of South Africa
Presidential commitment to a full investigation
South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa has vowed “no stone will be left unturned” in the investigation into the deaths
other -
2026-09-17 aljazeera.comTebello Mosikili deputy national commissioner for policing, South African Police Service
Reaction at the scene of the ninth body
“We cannot continue picking up bodies,” Tebello Mosikili, the deputy national commissioner for policing in the South African Police Service, told journalists at the scene of the latest discovery.
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2026-09-17 citizen.co.zaPuleng Dimpane Acting National Commissioner, Lieutenant General, South African Police Service
Condolences to the Nkomo family and assurance police are following every available lead
Acting National Commissioner Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane has extended her condolences to the Nkomo family and assured the public that police remain focused on following every available lead.
other identification -
2026-09-17 dailymaverick.co.zaPuleng Dimpane Acting National Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General, SAPS
Condolences to Gracious Nkomo's family and status of the multidisciplinary investigation team
Acting National Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane offered her condolences to Nkomo’s loved ones and said the multidisciplinary team of investigators and specialists was continuing to work “around the clock” to establish the circumstances surrounding each case and identify those responsible.
task team identification other -
2026-09-17 dailymaverick.co.zaFrank Kekana Acting Gauteng Police Commissioner, Major General, SAPS (Gauteng)
Warning the public against circulating unverified information and old, unrelated crime-scene photographs
Addressing media at the Dawn Park scene on Thursday, Gauteng Police Commissioner Major General Kekana urged the public against circulating unverified information, saying the recent spread of false information was adding to existing fears.
public warning other -
2026-09-17 dailymaverick.co.zaDimakatso Nevhuhulwi Gauteng police spokesperson, Colonel, SAPS (Gauteng)
Villa Liza case added to the Ekurhuleni investigation; total of nine bodies in two months
“The unidentified body was discovered earlier this morning, 17 September 2026. This brings the total number of bodies discovered to nine in two months,” Nevhuhulwi said.
count update linkage unconfirmed -
2026-09-17 dailymaverick.co.zaGérard Labuschagne Professor, clinical psychologist and former head of the SAPS Investigative Psychology Section (not involved in the current SAPS investigation), former SAPS
SAPS has no remaining profilers after the last profiler retired in 2026, but retains experienced serial murder investigators
Labuschagne also revealed that the SAPS no longer has any profilers, with Lieutenant Colonel Elmarie Myburgh, the last profiler, retiring in 2026. However, he said the service still had experienced serial murder investigators with the training and expertise to investigate the cases.
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Inter-Ministerial Committee on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (IMC on GBVF) Inter-Ministerial Committee, South African Government
IMC meeting on 17 September 2026 to consider NATJOINTS recommendations on finding the perpetrators of the Ekurhuleni murders
The Inter-Ministerial Committee on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (IMC on GBVF) met on Thursday, 17 September 2026 to receive a briefing and consider recommendations from NATJOINTS on the work to speedily find the perpetrators of the murders of women in Ekurhuleni metro of the Gauteng Province.
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2026-09-16 citizen.co.zaColonel Adéle Myburgh Police spokesperson, North West police (SA Police Service)
Denies that continuing Kempton Park investigations establish a suspect moved to Potchefstroom
“This does not, on its own, establish that a suspect connected to those investigations has relocated to Potchefstroom,” Myburg said.
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2026-09-16 citizen.co.zaMajor-General Ryno Naidoo Acting provincial police commissioner, North West police (SA Police Service)
Calls for vigilance but calm, warning that rumours undermine security
“We urge residents to remain vigilant but calm. Safety is a shared responsibility and spreading rumours undermines the very security we are working to uphold,” Naidoo said.
public warning -
2026-09-16 joburgetc.comFiroz Cachalia Acting police minister, South African Police Ministry
Commitment to investigate and warning that women are not safe
Acting police minister Firoz Cachalia told the briefing that police would "leave no stone unturned to bring the culprits to book" , and said the deaths reminded the country that women were not safe. He said the thought of a woman going out for a run and never coming home was "too unbearable to think about."
public warning other -
2026-09-16 joburgetc.comAthlenda Mathe National police spokesperson, Brigadier, SAPS
Whether one perpetrator or a group is responsible; copycat killings not ruled out
National police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said police were still establishing whether they were dealing with one perpetrator or a group, and had not ruled out copycat killings.
linkage unconfirmed serial possible multiple perpetrators other -
2026-09-16 joburgetc.comFred Kekana Acting Gauteng police commissioner, Major General, SAPS Gauteng
Identification status of victims and a suspect still in custody
He said only two of the first seven women had been identified, and that a suspect arrested in July in connection with the death of the first woman remained in custody.
identification arrest count update -
Tebello Mosikili Deputy national police commissioner, Lieutenant General, SAPS
Signs of sexual assault in four of five Kempton Park victims
Deputy national police commissioner Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili said four of the five women found around Kempton Park had shown signs of sexual assault.
modus operandi count update -
2026-09-16 joburgetc.comCyril Ramaphosa President, Republic of South Africa
Presidential directive to prioritise the cases
President Cyril Ramaphosa said he had directed that the cases be prioritised.
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2026-09-16 joburgetc.comGerard Labuschagne Professor, former head of the SAPS Investigative Psychology Section, formerly SAPS Investigative Psychology Section
Case for a dedicated task team even if offenders are separate
Professor Labuschagne said that even if the cases proved to be the work of separate offenders, they would receive more attention if handled by a dedicated task team focusing on them.
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2026-09-16 joburgetc.comFiroz Cachalia Acting police minister, South African Police Ministry
Women's safety in the wake of the killings
Cachalia also said the deaths reminded the country that women were not safe and characterised the prospect of a woman going out for a run and never returning as “too unbearable to think about”.
public warning -
2026-09-16 joburgetc.comAthlenda Mathe National police spokesperson, Brigadier, SAPS
Whether one perpetrator, a group, or copycats are responsible
National police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said investigators were still establishing whether they were dealing with one perpetrator or a group, and had not ruled out copycat killings.
linkage unconfirmed serial possible multiple perpetrators -
2026-09-16 joburgetc.comFred Kekana Acting Gauteng police commissioner, Major General, SAPS Gauteng
Identification progress and a suspect still in custody from July
Kekana said only two of the first seven women had been identified, and that a suspect arrested in July in connection with the death of the first woman remained in custody.
identification arrest count update -
2026-09-16 joburgetc.comCyril Ramaphosa President, Presidency of South Africa
Presidential instruction to prioritise the cases
President Cyril Ramaphosa instructed that the cases be prioritised.
other -
2026-09-16 joburgetc.comGerard Labuschagne Professor, former head of the SAPS Investigative Psychology Section, SAPS (former)
SAPS lacks a criminal profiler; trained serial-murder detectives needed
Labuschagne noted that the police no longer had a single criminal profiler after the last one retired in March, and said detectives with training and experience in serial murder cases should be brought into the probe.
task team other -
Paul Mashatile Deputy President; Chairperson of the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security (JCPS) Cluster Cabinet Committee, South African Government
Gender-based violence has no place in communities; men should protect women
Gender-based violence (GBV) has no place in our communities, and all men should be in the forefront condemning such violence and protecting women.
public warning other -
Cyril Ramaphosa President, South African Government
President declares the Kempton Park murders a national crisis and orders a multidisciplinary specialised team on the investigation
President Ramaphosa declared the murders as a national crisis and instructed that the investigation receive the highest level of attention from government and law enforcement. A multidisciplinary specialised team around the clock to identify and apprehend those responsible.
task team other -
Nomonde Mnukwa Acting Government Spokesperson, Government Communications
Listed as media contact on the government statement of condolence on the Kempton Park killings
Media enquiries: Nomonde Mnukwa, Acting Government Spokesperson: 083 653 7485
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William Baloyi Deputy Government Spokesperson, Government Communications
Listed as media contact on the government statement of condolence on the Kempton Park killings
William Baloyi, Deputy Government Spokesperson: 083 390 7147
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Elvis Manyike Warrant Officer, South African Police Service
Named police contact for information or missing-person reports related to the killings
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.
public warning identification other -
2026-09-16 theguardian.comFiroz Cachalia acting police minister, South African government / police ministry
A 7 September Olifantsfontein body added to the investigation
The acting police minister, Firoz Cachalia, said on Wednesday that another woman's body found in Olifantsfontein on 7 September, was being added to the investigation.
linkage confirmed count update -
2026-09-16 theguardian.comWomen For Change advocacy group, Women For Change
Criticism of delayed police search effort
It should not take a missing woman, a desperate family, runners and communities searching, and a case going viral, before an area is searched with this intensity.
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2026-09-16 theguardian.comBafana Khumalo co-executive director, Sonke Gender Justice
Call for men to take responsibility for violence against women
When some of these things happen in our presence, most of us men tend to look the other way.
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2026-09-16 citizen.co.zaKhathutshelo Rasilingwane DA Mayoral Candidate for Ekurhuleni, Democratic Alliance (DA)
Call for public to come forward with information
“Let us not forget the families left behind by the deceased, who are mourning. The young 8-year-old daughter of Elizabeth ‘Tsontso’ Moselakgomo made the first calls highlighting her disappearance, which brought this to light. Society can follow in her footsteps to bring the perpetrator to light too,” said Rasilingwane.
public warning other -
2026-09-15 citizen.co.zaJuanita du Preez national spokesperson, Action Society
Prior Action Society report on serial rapists identified through DNA analysis
She said almost three years ago, Action Society reported that DNA analysis had identified 486 serial rapists among 10 493 prioritised cases, meaning almost one in 20 were repeat sexual offenders.
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2026-09-15 citizen.co.zaDipuo Ditshego Kempton Park Saps spokesperson, Saps (South African Police Service)
Case handled by national and provincial police offices; further information to follow
“This is being dealt with by the national [and] provincial office. Once all the investigation and information is gathered, we will liaise back to the media with full information,” Ditshego said.
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2026-09-15 citizen.co.zaSimon Lapping DA ward councillor, Kempton Park, Democratic Alliance (DA)
Possible breakthrough and community fear; pressure on police to prioritise the case
“It could be a breakthrough,” he said, “but we will continue to pressure the police to prioritise this investigation. The community is living in fear, and it is spreading throughout the whole city. We cannot afford to let this slide.”
public warning other -
2026-09-15 witness.co.zaDr Gerard Labuschagne Clinical psychologist and former SAPS head profiler, formerly SAPS
Method used to determine whether separate murders are linked: patterns first, then forensics
"Similar victimology, similar cause of death, similar geographic locations, similar manner in which the bodies were left. Then one turns to forensics, such as DNA, crime scene fingerprints, to link cases."
modus operandi linkage unconfirmed -
2026-09-15 citizen.co.zaBrigadier Athlenda Mathe National police spokesperson, South African Police Service
Community toll of the killings
“Every day you wake up there is a dead body,” she said.
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2026-09-15 citizen.co.zaCyril Ramaphosa President, South African government
Presidential directive that the cases be prioritised
He added that the Minister of Police and the Acting National Police Commissioner had briefed him, and he had “directed that these cases be prioritised and that no stone be left unturned in bringing those responsible to justice”.
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2026-09-15 citizen.co.zaPhakamile Mbengashe Ekurhuleni city spokesperson, City of Ekurhuleni
Safety of women walking or jogging in the area
“It is not their fault,” he said. “They have the right to live. They have the right to enjoy themselves in our country.”
public warning -
Commission for Gender Equality (CGE) Commission, Commission for Gender Equality
CGE on state responsibility for women's safety beyond prosecution
The CGE emphasises that the constitutional right to equality requires more than prosecuting perpetrators after women have been killed. The State has a responsibility to create conditions in which women can participate equally and freely in public life.
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Cyril Ramaphosa President, South African Government / Presidency
Public appeal with police contact details for information or missing-person reports
“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.”
public warning identification -
Fred Kekana Acting provincial police commissioner, Major General, South African Police Service (Gauteng province)
Police reviewing station records after noticing bodies were being recovered
Kekana said police had gone back to their stations after noticing bodies were being picked up.
task team other -
2026-09-15 citizen.co.zaAthlenda Mathe National police spokesperson, Brigadier, South African Police Service
Appeal for public help in the investigation
We need as much hands as possible on the ground.
public warning other -
2026-09-15 dailymaverick.co.zaAthlenda Mathe National police spokesperson, Brigadier, South African Police Service
Police record on gender-based violence prosecutions cited as evidence of progress
Mathe said 98 perpetrators arrested between April and June had received life sentences.
count update arrest other -
2026-09-15 dailymaverick.co.zaFred Kekana Acting Gauteng Police Commissioner, South African Police Service
Preliminary cause of death of the KwaThema victim
Kekana also said preliminary findings from pathologists indicated that the woman found in KwaThema on Tuesday morning had suffered strangulation.
cause of death -
2026-09-15 dailymaverick.co.zaCyril Ramaphosa President, The Presidency
Appeal for public information to assist the investigation
Ramaphosa also urged anyone with information that could help the investigation or help prevent further victims to report it to the SAPS.
public warning other -
2026-09-15 dailymaverick.co.zaFiroz Cachalia Acting Police Minister, South African government / Police Ministry
Planned ministerial briefing with the investigation team on 15 September 2026
He said he and Dimpane would meet the investigation team on Tuesday afternoon for a briefing on the progress of the investigation.
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2026-09-15 citizen.co.zaDipuo Ditshego Kempton Park Saps spokesperson, SAPS (Kempton Park)
No confirmed link between the kidnapping/rape and the Kempton Park murders, though the case is folded into the investigation
Ditshego said police could not at this stage directly link the woman’s ordeal to the recent murders around Kempton Park. However, the incident was reported on Monday as being included in the police’s investigation into the deaths of women whose bodies have been discovered in and around Kempton Park and Olifantsfontein.
linkage unconfirmed task team -
2026-09-15 dailymaverick.co.zaFiroz Cachalia acting Police Minister, Professor, South African government
Characterising the discoveries and women's safety
The minister described the discovery of the bodies as “deeply distressing”, saying women remained unsafe in a society grappling with high levels of violence against women.
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2026-09-15 dailymaverick.co.zaFred Kekana acting Gauteng Police Commissioner, SA Police Service (SAPS), Gauteng
Warning against speculation about the missing clothing of the Clayville victim
Kekana cautioned against speculation about how the victim’s clothing, apart from her underwear, went missing.
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2026-09-15 dailymaverick.co.zaPuleng Dimpane acting National Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General, SA Police Service (SAPS)
An additional case was missed in the police tally and only picked up on 15 September
On Tuesday evening, acting National Police Commissioner Puleng Dimpane said: “So we might have missed this particular case when we did our numbers. It was picked up today.”
count update -
2026-09-15 theguardian.comCyril Ramaphosa President of South Africa, Presidency of South Africa
President directs police to prioritise the murder investigations
Ramaphosa said on Tuesday that he had directed police authorities to prioritise the ongoing murder investigations.
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2026-09-15 citizen.co.zaFiroz Cachalia Acting police minister, South African government / Police Ministry
Comment on a victim who went out for a run and did not return
“The thought that someone can go out on a run to participate in a happy event, never to return home, is too unbearable to think about,” Cachalia said.
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2026-09-15 capetownetc.comFiroz Cachalia Acting Police Minister, South African government / police ministry
High-level multidisciplinary team under the deputy provincial commissioner; pledge to pursue every lead
A high-level multidisciplinary team, led by the deputy provincial commissioner, has been established to coordinate the investigation. Cachalia said police would pursue every possible lead. ‘We will leave no stone unturned to bring the culprits to book.’
task team other -
Firoz Cachalia Acting Police Minister, Ministry of Police
Confirmation that at least eight bodies were linked to the Kempton Park killings
Earlier, Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia and Acting National Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Puleng Dimpane confirmed on Tuesday night that authorities had now discovered at least eight bodies linked with the Kempton Park killings in the East Rand.
count update linkage confirmed -
2026-09-15 iol.co.zaFred Kekana Gauteng provincial commissioner, Major-General, South African Police Service
Preliminary report indicates the victim appeared to have been strangled
Kekana said a preliminary report about the body discovered in KwaThema showed that the woman appeared to have been strangled to death.
cause of death -
2026-09-14 citizen.co.zaAthlenda Mathe National police spokesperson, Brigadier, SA Police Service (Saps)
Composition and leadership of the task team
“The task team will comprise detectives from specialised units, including the Murder and Robbery Unit and Investigative Psychology Unit, as well as other relevant disciplines and resources required to urgently advance the investigation. “It will be led by Gauteng deputy provincial commissioner Major-General Mbuso Khumalo
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2026-09-14 citizen.co.zaCornelia van Graan Criminal law expert
Criticism that public warnings alone are an insufficient police response
“Serious effort must be made to prevent crimes against women and children and issuing warnings does not amount to sufficient effort,” said Van Graan. In these circumstances, police presence must be made visible, and specialists must be deployed,” she added.
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2026-09-14 citizen.co.zaWitness Maluleke Criminology expert, Professor, University of Limpopo, University of Limpopo
Investigations may be prolonged; bodies should not be the trigger for police action
“However, the investigations can be prolonged. Thus, the public and affected families should be patient with the process. “We should also be mindful the four discovered bodies cannot be used as a litmus for the police to start initiating investigations.”
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2026-09-14 polity.org.zaPuleng Dimpane acting National Commissioner, Lieutenant-General, South African Police Service (SAPS)
Ordered establishment of a multidisciplinary task team
In response, acting National Commissioner of the SAPS Lieutenant-General Puleng Dimpane , has ordered the immediate establishment of a dedicated multidisciplinary task team.
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2026-09-14 polity.org.zaMbuso Khumalo Gauteng Deputy Provincial Commissioner, Major-General, South African Police Service (SAPS)
Leadership of the task team and instruction that no stone be left unturned
The specialised unit will be led by Gauteng Deputy Provincial Commissioner Major-General Mbuso Khumalo , who has been ordered to ensure that "no stone is left unturned".
task team -
2026-09-14 polity.org.zaKhathutshelo Rasilingwane DA Ekurhuleni mayoral candidate, Democratic Alliance (DA)
DA pressure on City of Ekurhuleni for safety risk assessments in affected zones
“We cannot allow fear to become part of everyday life for women in Ekurhuleni. Every woman deserves to return home safely to her family,” Rasilingwane said.
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2026-09-14 polity.org.zaMakashule Gana National Assembly Whip, RISE Mzansi
South Africa's femicide rate and call for a whole-of-society response
Gana underscored the systemic nature of the violence, noting that South Africa’s femicide rate is roughly five to six times higher than the global average, claiming the lives of approximately 4 000 women every year. “All hands-on deck, not just policing, are required to end gender-based violence and femicide,” Gana stated.
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2026-09-14 citizen.co.zaAthlenda Mathe Police spokesperson, Brigadier, South African Police Service (Saps)
Rebuttal to community claims that police failed to notify residents timeously
However, Mathe said there was no delay, as police alerted the public after the first body was discovered in July.
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2026-09-14 citizen.co.zaLumka Maqubela Representative of the Girl2Woman Foundation, Girl2Woman Foundation
Community suspicion of a serial killer and complaint about lack of police notification
“What has come to our attention is that all these murders happened in the same sequence; hence, there are suspicions of a serial killer on the loose. A fifth body was found today. No one from the police came to notify us. That’s the reason for the picket.”
serial possible count update modus operandi -
2026-09-14 witness.co.zaAthlenda Mathe Police spokesperson, Brigadier, SAPS
SAPS has not confirmed a serial killer link but issued a public warning and intensified investigations
“While investigations are still underway and Saps has not, at this stage, confirmed that the deaths are linked to a serial killer, the similarities are sufficiently concerning for the police to issue a public warning and intensify investigations,” Mathe said.
linkage unconfirmed serial possible public warning -
2026-09-14 citizen.co.zaPuleng Dimpane Acting National Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General, South African Police Service (Saps)
Pledge to pursue those linked to the crimes
“We will not rest until we have established the truth. Where there is evidence linking individuals to these crimes, we will pursue them relentlessly and ensure that they face the full might of the law,” Dimpane said.
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2026-09-14 citizen.co.zaAthlenda Mathe Police spokesperson, Brigadier, South African Police Service (Saps)
State of the investigation: no lead yet, much work remaining
“We are hoping that soon there will be a lead, but for now there is still a lot of work to be done. The evidence will guide us as time goes by,” she said.
linkage unconfirmed other -
Portfolio Committee on Community Safety Portfolio Committee on Community Safety (Chairperson not named in statement), Gauteng Provincial Legislature
Committee directs police to investigate whether the cases are linked and to keep communities updated
The Committee calls on Police to leave no stone unturned in investigating these murders, establishing whether there are any links between the cases and ensuring that those responsible are brought before the courts.
linkage unconfirmed other -
Puleng Dimpane Acting National Commissioner, Lieutenant General, South African Police Service (SAPS)
Directs establishment of a multidisciplinary task team to investigate the deaths and determine whether the incidents are linked
The Acting National Commissioner of the SAPS, Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane, has directed the Gauteng Provincial Commissioner to immediately establish a dedicated multidisciplinary task team to investigate these cases and determine whether there are links between the incidents.
task team linkage unconfirmed -
Mbuso Khumalo Gauteng Deputy Provincial Commissioner, Major General, South African Police Service (SAPS)
Named as head of the task team investigating who is responsible for the deaths
The task team will be led by the Gauteng Deputy Provincial Commissioner, Major General Mbuso Khumalo, who has been tasked with ensuring that all investigative avenues are pursued and that no stone is left unturned in establishing who is responsible for these deaths.
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South African Police Service (SAPS) issuing body of the official media statement, South African Police Service (SAPS)
Safety warning to women in and around Kempton Park
Women in and around Kempton Park are urged not to walk or run alone, particularly in isolated areas. They should avoid secluded spaces, remain vigilant and, where possible, travel or exercise in groups.
public warning -
Elvis Manyike Warrant Officer, South African Police Service (SAPS)
Named contact point for public information on the investigation
Members of the public with information can contact Warrant Officer Elvis Manyike on 082 465 7249 or provide information anonymously through the MySAPS APP.
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2026-09-14 citizen.co.zaAthlenda Mathe National police spokesperson, Brigadier, SAPS
SAPS has not confirmed a serial killer but issued a public warning over the pattern
National police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe has repeatedly stressed that Saps has not confirmed a serial killer is responsible, but said the pattern was concerning enough to warrant a public warning.
linkage unconfirmed public warning -
2026-09-14 citizen.co.zaPuleng Dimpane Acting national commissioner, Lieutenant-General, SAPS
Directive to establish a multidisciplinary task team led by Major-General Mbuso Khumalo
Acting national commissioner Lieutenant-General Puleng Dimpane has directed Gauteng police to set up a multidisciplinary task team, including detectives from the murder and robbery unit and the investigative psychology unit, led by Deputy Provincial Commissioner Major-General Mbuso Khumalo.
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2026-09-14 citizen.co.zaNirmala Gopal Criminologist, Professor
Profiling assessment pointing to a single perpetrator rather than a syndicate
Criminologist Professor Nirmala Gopal told Newzroom Afrika that, from a profiling standpoint, the pattern of the victims’ gender, the marks on their bodies and the tight geographic cluster point toward a single perpetrator rather than a syndicate, though she said the final call rests with investigators.
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2026-09-14 citizen.co.zaPanyaza Lesufi Gauteng Premier, Gauteng Provincial Government
Premier condemns the deaths as madness that cannot be normalised
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi described the deaths as “madness” that the province cannot normalise.
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2026-09-14 citizen.co.zaSindisiwe Chikunga Minister of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities
Call for a coordinated response and women's safety while exercising
Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga has called for a coordinated response, saying women should not have to choose between their safety and their health, and that no woman should fear exercising in public.
public warning other -
2026-09-14 citizen.co.zaPuleng Dimpane Acting national police commissioner, Lieutenant-General, South African Police Service
Multidisciplinary team ordered to intensify investigations and establish possible links
Acting national police commissioner Lieutenant-General Puleng Dimpane on Monday confirmed that a multidisciplinary team of detectives and specialised policing resources had been ordered to intensify investigations.
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2026-09-14 citizen.co.zaMike Waters DA member of the provincial legislature and local political head, Democratic Alliance / Gauteng provincial legislature
Community fear, poor police communication and call for more visible policing
“You can understand women in particular are very scared for their safety. That’s why we need proper communication and more visible policing throughout Kempton Park.”
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2026-09-14 citizen.co.zaSimon Lapping DA Ward 17 councillor (ward includes Rhodesfield), Democratic Alliance / Ekurhuleni ward 17
Criticism of inadequate police communication with residents
DA Ward 17 councillor Simon Lapping, whose ward includes Rhodesfield, said police communication had been inadequate. He said information about the killings should have been communicated through community policing structures rather than residents first learning about the threat through media reports.
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2026-09-14 citizen.co.zaJuanita du Preez National spokesperson, Action Society
Demand that forensic evidence from all four Kempton Park scenes be processed immediately; forensic DNA backlog
“Women cannot be told to stay indoors and hope they’re not next. If DNA evidence is allowed to disappear into the backlog, another woman may pay for that failure with her life,” she said.
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2026-09-14 citizen.co.zaIan Cameron Chair, portfolio committee on police, Portfolio committee on police
Need to establish whether the deaths form a broader trend or pattern
“Investigators have to establish whether we are seeing a broader trend or pattern. This is why specialist investigative capability matters.”
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2026-09-14 citizen.co.zaDawn Gounden spokesperson for the family, Moselakgom family
Family calls for a thorough SAPS investigation into the circumstances of the death
"The family now hopes that the circumstances surrounding Moselakgom’s death will be thoroughly investigated and that justice will prevail. "They place their trust in the SAPS to conduct a comprehensive investigation and to ensure that those responsible, if criminality is established, are held accountable," said Gounden.
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2026-09-14 sabcnews.comSteve Mabona spokesperson, Department of Health
Family has claimed Moselakgomo's body; other bodies still unidentified
Department of Health spokesperson Steve Mabona says the family has claimed the body of Elizabeth “Tsontso” Moselakgomo, while police are still working to identify the remaining bodies.
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2026-09-14 citizen.co.zaSimon Lapping local ward councillor
Whereabouts of the woman who escaped an alleged kidnapping on Sunday night and that she is giving a statement to police
Local ward councillor Simon Lapping told The Citizen that the woman is presently at Kempton Park Police Station, where she was giving a statement after escaping an alleged kidnapping on Sunday night.
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2026-09-14 dailymaverick.co.zaSAPS institutional statement (no individual spokesperson named), South African Police Service (SAPS)
Task team of specialised units established; appeal for witnesses in Rhodesfield and surrounds
A task team has been established comprising detectives from specialised units, including the Murder and Robbery Unit and the Investigative Psychology Unit.
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2026-09-14 dailymaverick.co.zaAthlenda Mathe police spokesperson, South African Police Service (SAPS)
Only two of the five victims have been identified
Police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe said of the five victims, only Moselakgomo and the first victim had been identified.
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2026-09-14 dailymaverick.co.zaFred Kekana Major General, Gauteng acting provincial commissioner of the SAPS, South African Police Service (SAPS)
Progress in the 15 July first-victim case in which a suspect was arrested
Major General Fred Kekana, Gauteng acting provincial commissioner of the SAPS, confirmed that "investigators have already made progress" in this case.
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2026-09-14 dailymaverick.co.zaTebello Mosikili Lieutenant General, deputy national police commissioner, South African Police Service (SAPS)
Direct warning to the perpetrator that they will be found
Mosikili warned "whoever is responsible for these killings: listen carefully. If you are responsible for taking these women's lives, your freedom is temporary. You may be hiding this evening. You may think that you have removed the evidence."
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2026-09-14 dailymaverick.co.zaAndries Mataila Lieutenant Colonel; uncle of Elizabeth Moselakgomo and the family's spokesperson
Police psychology unit supporting Moselakgomo's eight-year-old daughter
Addressing how her eight-year-old daughter was coping, Mataila noted that the police psychology unit was assisting the family, adding that the child was with psychologists and it remained unclear whether she had yet been informed of her mother's death.
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2026-09-14 sabcnews.comPuleng Dimpane Acting National Commissioner, Lieutenant General, South African Police Service (SAPS)
Vows to find those responsible for the women's deaths in Gauteng and sends condolences to the Moselakgomo family
[ACTING NATIONAL COMMISSIONER VOWS TO FIND THOSE RESPONSIBLE FOR WOMEN’S DEATHS IN GAUTENG AND SENDS CONDOLENCES TO THE MOSELAKGOMO FAMILY]
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2026-09-14 sabcnews.comTebello Mosikili Deputy National Police Commissioner, South African Police Service (SAPS)
Two of the five Kempton Park bodies remain unidentified
“The details of others, I did allude to that so far, only two have not yet been identified. So out of the five here in Kempton Park, the only two bodies have not yet been identified,” she adds.
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2026-09-14 citizen.co.zaTebello Mosikili Acting National Police Commissioner, Lieutenant-General, South African Police Service
Forensic findings that most of the Kempton Park victims had been sexually assaulted
It also follows a disclosure by Acting National Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Tebello Mosikili, who confirmed that forensic investigations had established that most of the women whose bodies were found in Kempton Park had been sexually assaulted.
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2026-09-14 witness.co.zaBrigadier Athlenda Mathe National police spokesperson, SAPS
Warning to women, especially those who exercise, walk or jog alone, to be vigilant and exercise in groups
"We are not saying women must stop moving around. We are saying that while we are trying to establish whether these murders are linked, women must be extra vigilant," she said.
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2026-09-14 citizen.co.zaLieutenant General Tebello Mosikili Deputy National Commissioner for Policing, South African Police Service
Evidence trail said to lead to the perpetrators
She said evidence had already linked investigators to the perpetrators. “You have left a trail. And we are following it,” she said, adding that the statement was “not a threat” but “a commitment.”
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2026-09-14 theguardian.comAthlenda Mathe police spokesperson, South African Police Service
Boyfriend of the first woman killed in July is in custody
Mathe added that a suspect in the killing in July of the first woman, her boyfriend, was in custody.
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2026-09-13 timeslive.co.zaAthlenda Mathe Brigadier, SAPS spokesperson, SAPS
Similarities in the circumstances of the deaths justify a public warning and intensified investigation
“The similarities are sufficiently concerning for the police to issue a public warning and intensify investigations,” Mathe said.
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2026-09-13 timeslive.co.zaPuleng Dimpane Acting national police commissioner, Lieutenant-General, SAPS
Directive to establish a multidisciplinary task team to investigate the cases and determine linkage
Acting national police commissioner Lt-Gen Puleng Dimpane has directed the Gauteng police commissioner to establish a dedicated multidisciplinary task team to investigate the cases and determine whether there are links between the murders.
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2026-09-13 timeslive.co.zaMbuso Khumalo Gauteng deputy police commissioner, Major-General, SAPS (Gauteng)
Named to lead the task team and pursue all investigative avenues
It will be led by Gauteng deputy police commissioner Maj-Gen Mbuso Khumalo, who has been tasked with ensuring all investigative avenues are pursued to establish who is responsible for the deaths.
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2026-09-13 iol.co.zaAthlenda Mathe Police spokesperson, Brigadier, South African Police Service (SAPS)
Vigilance appeal and mobilisation of specialised resources
We urge women to remain vigilant, while assuring the community that specialised police resources have been mobilised to establish the circumstances surrounding these deaths and bring those responsible to justice
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2026-09-13 citizen.co.zaFred Kekana Acting Gauteng commissioner, Major General, South African Police Service (Saps)
GBVF a priority crime; community anxiety in Kempton Park acknowledged
GBVF remains a priority crime, and the Saps will continue to pursue perpetrators of violence against women and children with the urgency and seriousness that these crimes demand
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2026-09-13 citizen.co.zaFred Kekana Acting Gauteng Commissioner, Major General, SAPS
Commitment to follow every lead
"We are following every credible lead and will leave no stone unturned in our efforts to establish exactly what happened to these women," he said.
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2026-09-13 dailymaverick.co.zaFred Kekana Major-General, Gauteng acting provincial commissioner, South African Police Service (SAPS)
Warning about roughly 10 cases of people lured after meeting online and then robbed or sexually assaulted
“Approximately 10 cases have been reported at Kempton Park Police Station where individuals met people online and were subsequently lured to locations where they were allegedly robbed and/or sexually assaulted,” he said.
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2026-09-13 dailymaverick.co.zaSindisiwe Chikunga Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, The Presidency
Attacks on women exercising in public spaces as a threat to their rights; call for visible law-enforcement action
“Women should not have to choose between their safety and their health. No woman should fear for her life simply because she has chosen to run, walk or exercise in a public space. Women must be free to exercise, walk and run without fear. This is unacceptable,” Chikunga said.
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2026-09-13 dailymaverick.co.zaKhathutshelo Rasilingwane DA mayoral candidate for Ekurhuleni, Democratic Alliance (DA)
Call for urgent action to protect women after four bodies found and a runner disappeared
“The discovery of the bodies of four women in the Rhodesfield area of Kempton Park over approximately two months, and the disappearance of 38-year-old Elizabeth Mokolo Moselakgomo after she went for an afternoon run on Wednesday, 10 September, is deeply disturbing,” said Rasilingwane.
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2026-09-12 citizen.co.zaBrigadier Athlenda Mathe Police spokesperson, South African Police Service (Saps)
Saps mobilising specialised resources and treating the matter with urgency
“The safety of women remains a priority for the Saps. We will not wait for further incidents before taking decisive action. Specialised resources have been mobilised to establish the circumstances surrounding these deaths and to bring those responsible to justice.”
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Lieutenant-General Puleng Dimpane Acting national commissioner, South African Police Service (Saps)
Directive to establish a multidisciplinary task team
The acting national commissioner Lieutenant-General Puleng Dimpane has directed the Gauteng provincial commissioner to establish a dedicated multidisciplinary task team to investigate the cases.
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2026-09-12 citizen.co.zaAthlenda Mathe SAPS national spokesperson, Brigadier, SAPS
Continued deployment of specialised resources to the area
Mathe said SAPS would continue to deploy specialised resources to the area as investigators work to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths and identify those responsible.
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2026-09-12 citizen.co.zaPuleng Dimpane Acting National Commissioner of SAPS, Lieutenant General, SAPS
Directive to establish a multidisciplinary task team
Acting National Commissioner of SAPS Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane directed Gauteng Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni to establish a dedicated multidisciplinary task team to investigate the cases.
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2026-09-12 theguardian.comSouth African Police Service police statement (spokesperson not named), South African Police Service
Detectives examining a serial killer angle
Detectives said on Saturday that they were examining a serial killer angle.
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2026-09-11 citizen.co.zaFrans Spang Warrant Officer, media liaison officer for Police Emergency Services, Police Emergency Services (SAPS)
Water Police response to and recovery of the body from the spruit
According to Warrant Officer Frans Spang, media liaison officer for Police Emergency Services, officers were directed to a body in the water when they arrived.
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Maropene Ramokgopa Minister in the Presidency for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation (DPME)
Closing call to translate remembrance into action on violence against women and girls
"When we remember lives lost, we acknowledge our collective responsibility and when we build systems that save lives, we transform remembrance into hope. As South Africans, we owe it to every woman and girl who has lost her life to violence to ensure that their stories contribute to a safer future for others."
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2026-08-03 citizen.co.zaSergeant Dipuo Ditshego Kempton Park SAPS spokesperson, South African Police Service (Kempton Park SAPS)
Units that attended the scene and declaration of death
Ditshego added that paramedics declared Itumeleng dead at the scene. "The Local Criminal Record Centre, the provincial investigation unit, the crime office and the missing persons investigation officer attended the scene."
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2026-08 aljazeera.comCyril Ramaphosa President, Republic of South Africa
Call on men to sign a virtual pledge against gender-based violence and femicide
President Ramaphosa last month called on men in South Africa to take a stand against gender-based violence and femicide by signing a virtual pledge.
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2025-11 theguardian.comCyril Ramaphosa President of South Africa, Presidency of South Africa
Gender-based violence declared a national crisis in November 2025
After hundreds of women protested on the eve of the G20 summit in Johannesburg in November 2025, President Cyril Ramaphosa declared it a national crisis.
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2006 soapoperaspy.comSelby Bokaba Police Director, South African Police Service
Historical (2006) justification for disbanding specialised police units, cited as background
IOL reported in 2006 that Police Director Selby Bokaba attributed the decision to dismantle the FCS, Serious and Violent Crime, Area Crime Combating and National Intervention units to their low conviction rate.
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Fred Kekana Acting Gauteng Provincial Commissioner, Major General, SAPS (South African Police Service)
Assurance that police are investigating and pursuing those responsible
“We are on the ground. We are investigating. We have mobilised resources. We are following the evidence. And we will pursue those responsible.”
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Athlenda Mathe National Police Spokesperson, Brigadier, SAPS
Specialised police resources mobilised to investigate the deaths
“SAPS is taking these incidents extremely seriously,” Mathe said. “Specialised police resources have been mobilised to establish the circumstances surrounding these deaths and bring those responsible to justice.”
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Puleng Dimpane Acting National Police Commissioner, Lieutenant-General, SAPS
Instruction to Gauteng Provincial Commissioner to establish a task team immediately
Acting National Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Puleng Dimpane instructed Gauteng Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant-General Tommy Mthombeni to establish the task team immediately.
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Mbuso Khumalo Gauteng Deputy Provincial Commissioner, Major-General, SAPS
Khumalo to lead the task team investigation and establish whether the cases are linked
Khumalo has been instructed to pursue every possible line of inquiry to establish what happened to each woman and whether the cases are linked.
task team linkage unconfirmed