‘Extreme caution’: Police warn women after four bodies found in Kempton Park - IOL
Police are investigating the death of four women whose bodies were found in the Kempton Park area.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) is calling on women in and around the Kempton Park area, particularly Rhodesfield in Gauteng, to exercise extreme caution following the discovery of four bodies in the same area over two months.
The latest body was discovered on Saturday, September 12.
Police spokesperson, Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, said preliminary information gathered by detectives indicates concerning similarities in the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
“The bodies of the women were found half-naked and with visible bruising, and the discovery sites are located within the same vicinity,” Mathe said.
At this stage, police said they cannot confirm whether this is the work of a serial killer.
“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.
Women in and around Kempton Park are urged not to walk or run alone, particularly in isolated areas. Police urge women to avoid secluded spaces, remain vigilant and, where possible, travel or exercise in groups.
“The safety of women remains a priority for SAPS, and the police will not wait for further incidents before taking decisive action,” Mathe said.
The Acting National Commissioner, Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane, has directed the Gauteng Provincial Commissioner to immediately establish a dedicated multidisciplinary task team to investigate these cases and determine if there are links between the incidents.
The task team will comprise detectives from specialised units, including the Murder and Robbery Unit and the Investigative Psychology Unit, as well as other relevant disciplines and resources required to advance the investigation urgently.
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.
Police are appealing to anyone who may have information that could assist the investigation, particularly residents, motorists, security personnel, and members of the community who may have observed suspicious activity in the Rhodesfield and surrounding areas, to come forward.
Police said it's taking these incidents extremely seriously.
“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,” Mathe said.
Members of the public with information can contact Warrant Officer Elvis Manyike at 082 465 7249 or provide information anonymously through the MySAPS mobile application.
