Task team formed to investigate Kempton Park women's deaths

JOHANNESBURG - Police have assembled a dedicated multidisciplinary team to investigate the deaths of women in and around Kempton Park.

The team is currently holding an urgent meeting in Midrand following the discovery of a fifth woman’s body near Kempton Park on Monday morning.

The partially clothed body was found by a passerby on the side of the road in Olifantsfontein.

Police suspect the woman was killed between Sunday night and the early hours of Monday morning.

The discovery was made about 20 minutes from where police found the bodies of four other women in Kempton Park over a period of two months.

READ | Fifth woman's body discovered near Kempton Park

The latest development comes as police intensify efforts to locate missing jogger Elizabeth “Tsontso” Moselakgomo, who disappeared last week after leaving her home for an afternoon run.

Her disappearance has heightened concerns in the area, with authorities continuing to search for her.

Police say the four previous cases share similarities, but have not confirmed whether they are linked.

“We will rely on the experts to advise accordingly,” police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said.

“The detectives and investigative psychology unit will have to look at all the evidence that will be gathered from all the scenes. They will map out exactly what is happening,” Mathe added.

Mathe said police were concerned but had full faith and confidence in the multidisciplinary team.

“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.

Gauteng acting provincial commissioner is expected to visit the scene on Monday afternoon.

OPINION | We should not have to live like this: The fear of being a woman in SA

Mathe has cautioned women in the area to remain vigilant and avoid exercising alone.

“This is not a way to restrict the movement of women, but it’s to ensure that while police investigate, we take precautionary measures while we figure out if we’re dealing with a serial killer or one or a group of people who are behind these killings,” Mathe added.