JOHANNESBURG - “Someone saw something.”
That’s the message from Acting Gauteng Police Commissioner Fred Kekana as investigators appeal to communities for information that could help solve a series of women’s deaths in Ekurhuleni.
Kekana says it is concerning that the number of women whose bodies have been found in public spaces has now risen to six.
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The latest victim was found outside a clinic in KwaThema, Springs, on Tuesday morning.
The woman, believed to be about 35 years old, was found naked and her body was in an advanced state of decomposition.
Kekana says police received a call early on Tuesday about the discovery.
The latest discovery follows the deaths of women in Rhodesfield, Kempton Park, where several bodies have been found over the past two months.
One of the victims was identified as social runner Elizabeth “Tsontso” Moselakgomo.
Another woman’s body was discovered in Olifantsfontein on Monday, more than 20 kilometres from Rhodesfield. She was found partially clothed by a passerby.
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Kekana says the ages of the victims and the locations where some of the bodies were found are among the factors investigators are considering.
He says the geographical spread of the cases means police are also looking to communities for information.
“However minimal or insignificant people might think it is, anything or any person whom they saw or suspect,” Kekana said.
“We will truly appreciate that information because we need to get to the bottom of this,” he said.
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Kekana says police teams remain on the ground and are working to establish whether the cases are connected.
He cautioned against speculation that a serial killer is operating in the area.
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Kekana says the fact that the first victim’s boyfriend was arrested for her alleged murder is an important consideration when assessing whether the cases are linked.
Police are urging anyone with information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, to come forward and assist investigators.