South African police have launched a high-level investigation following the discovery of eight women's bodies in the Kempton Park area, located east of Johannesburg, over the past two months. The grim series of events has triggered widespread fear and anger across the nation, drawing renewed attention to the country's high rates of femicide and violent crime.
Gauteng provincial commissioner Fred Kekana addressed the ongoing investigation, stating that while authorities are examining whether the cases are connected, they are cautioning against prematurely labeling the deaths as the work of a single serial killer. According to Kekana, investigators are currently evaluating all possibilities, including the potential for multiple separate perpetrators or suspects. Police are systematically comparing evidence, including victim profiles, locations, timelines, and the specific circumstances surrounding each death, before drawing any definitive conclusions.
Despite the lack of a confirmed link, the proximity and similarities of the crime scenes have raised significant concern among officials. While the initial five victims were discovered in Kempton Park, subsequent bodies were found in the Olifantsfontein and Kwa-Thema areas, situated approximately 25 kilometers (15 miles) and 34 kilometers (21 miles) away, respectively. These similarities have prompted the South African Police Service to intensify investigations and issue a public warning.
All eight victims were women between the ages of 20 and 38. Authorities reported that the victims were found either naked or partially clothed, with visible bruising on their bodies. The first body was discovered on July 17, restrained with cable ties; a suspect, identified as the victim's boyfriend, was subsequently arrested and remains in police custody. Among those identified is 38-year-old runner Elizabeth “Tsontso” Moselakgomo, who was reported missing after her 8-year-old daughter alerted family that she had not returned from her afternoon jog. Her body was recovered several days later. Another victim, discovered on Tuesday in Olifantsfontein, was found in an advanced stage of decomposition. The youngest victim identified thus far is 20 years old.
These discoveries have ignited a national outcry regarding the safety of women in South Africa. Data from the United Nations agency for gender equality indicates that South Africa consistently records some of the highest rates of femicide globally. Furthermore, a 2022 study conducted by a South African think tank revealed that more than 35% of adult women in the country have experienced sexual or physical violence at some point in their lives.
Here's what to know about the grim discoveries and the police investigation:
By Wednesday, police said there were a total of eight victims. All were women between the ages of 20 and 38, and all were found either naked or partially clothed with bruises on their bodies, according to the police.
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