JOHANNESBURG - Police are keeping their cards close to their chest as investigations into the discovery of the bodies of seven women continue.
This, according to police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe, is to ensure that the integrity of the investigations is respected.
“South Africa's concerns and anger, and their frustration are valid, but we request time because we do not want to make mistakes. We don't want to arrest the wrong people. So, this type of investigation will require time because it's quite complex.”
Mathe’s comments come as police work to crack the killings of the women.
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She said there are no timeframes in place, as this would only add pressure to investigators this resulting in mistakes.
"We want to give the detectives an opportunity to investigate up until the letter, and up until they can tell us what evidence they've collected and where we are going and where does the evidence lead us to.
"Team that has been assembled to work on this particular case are quite seasoned detectives that have solved multiple of complex cases," Mathe said.
According to Mathe, investigators are studying the behaviour and of the perpetrator while also trying to establish if they could be dealing with one person or a group working together.
“We don't want to rush because we don't want to arrest the wrong people and then the next thing, the NPA does not enrol those types of cases,” she added.
As such, Mathe said authorities are urging residents for their patience as they work on building an evidence-driven case
“We are expecting a thorough and evidence-driven investigation, and we hope they will take their time,” she said.
To date, top police and government leaders are expected to meet on Tuesday night to receive a detailed briefing on the investigation into the discovery of seven women's bodies in Ekurhuleni.
The high-level delegation includes Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia, Women Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga, Deputy Police Minister Polly Boshielo, Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi and Acting National Police Commissioner Puleng Dimpane.
“I think at this stage, it will be premature to say we have leads or we are looking at a number of suspects… Like I've said, it's quite sensitive, and we are doing all we can to ensure that we find whoever is responsible for these attacks and killing of young women,” Mathe said.