Sixth woman’s body found as alleged kidnapping adds to Kempton Park fears
Sixth woman’s body found in Springs as Gauteng police investigate a growing series of deaths involving women whose bodies have been discovered in and around Kempton Park and surrounding areas.
The latest discovery was made on Tuesday morning when a woman’s body was found on the side of a road in KwaThema, Springs, on Gauteng’s East Rand.
Gauteng police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi confirmed that the area had been cordoned off as investigators worked at the scene.
“It is an active scene,” she said.
The latest discovery has intensified concerns about the safety of women across parts of the East Rand, particularly as police continue investigating several cases involving women found dead in open areas.
Authorities have not confirmed that the cases are connected, and police have also not established that a serial killer is responsible.
Sixth woman’s body found as police investigate
The Sixth woman’s body found in KwaThema adds another case to an already growing investigation.
The latest victim was discovered beside a road, although police have not yet released details about the woman’s identity, age or the circumstances surrounding her death.
The discovery came shortly after the body of another woman was found in a veld at Olifantsfontein.
That body was discovered on Monday morning by a man who was walking to work.
The latest incidents have increased pressure on law enforcement authorities to establish whether there is a connection between the different cases.
Police have previously said that several of the women were found in open spaces, including roadsides, velds and areas behind buildings.
Some of the victims were partially clothed and had visible injuries.
Police also said that four of the victims had been sexually assaulted.
However, investigators have not publicly concluded that the cases were committed by the same person or group.
Kempton Park women deaths raise questions
The Kempton Park women deaths have caused concern among residents and prompted questions about whether a broader pattern is emerging.
The first victim in the current series was a 37-year-old woman whose body was found near the R21 on 15 July.
She was reportedly unclothed and restrained with cable ties.
Her boyfriend was arrested in connection with the case and remains in custody.
On 24 August, the partially clothed body of a 32-year-old woman was discovered.
Another woman’s unclothed and badly decomposed body was found on 10 September.
The body of 38-year-old runner Elizabeth “Tsontso” Moselakgomo was subsequently identified after she failed to return home from a run.
Her eight-year-old daughter raised the alarm after her mother did not return home.
The discovery of the body in Olifantsfontein followed soon afterwards.
The latest case in KwaThema, Springs, has now added another investigation to the list.
Police have not said that all six cases are necessarily connected.
Gauteng police investigation continues
The Gauteng police investigation has involved multiple specialised units as authorities attempt to establish what happened to the women.
Deputy National Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Tebello Mosikili previously briefed the media at Kempton Park police station alongside acting Gauteng commissioner Major-General Fred Kekana and Ekurhuleni metro police chief Isaac Mapiyeye.
Authorities said a 72-hour investigation had been launched, involving detectives, forensic investigators, the K9 unit, the tracing unit, metro police and crime intelligence.
The multidisciplinary approach reflects the seriousness of the cases and the need to establish whether evidence from different crime scenes points to common suspects or circumstances.
Investigators were following several leads and hoped to make progress as the investigation continued.
Police have also urged the public to provide information that could assist investigators.
Police have not confirmed serial killer link
Despite public concern, police have not confirmed that a serial killer is responsible for the deaths.
This distinction is important because similarities between cases do not automatically establish that the same perpetrator was involved.
Investigators must examine forensic evidence, witness statements, timelines, locations and other information before determining whether cases are connected.
Police leadership has nevertheless warned that suspected perpetrators would face the full force of the law if identified.
Mosikili previously issued a strong warning to those responsible, saying: “Your days are numbered.”
The statement reflects the pressure facing investigators as communities demand answers.
Alleged kidnapping adds to concerns
The situation became even more concerning after a woman allegedly escaped a possible kidnapping in Kempton Park on Sunday night.
According to eNCA, the woman managed to escape and later went to Kempton Park Police Station, where she provided a statement to authorities.
The alleged incident occurred shortly before the discovery of the woman’s body at Olifantsfontein.
Police have not confirmed that the alleged kidnapping is connected to the deaths under investigation.
The incident has nevertheless contributed to heightened anxiety among residents, particularly women who live, work or travel through the affected areas.
Alleged kidnapping Kempton Park case remains separate
The alleged kidnapping Kempton Park case remains subject to investigation.
At this stage, there is no confirmed evidence publicly linking the woman who escaped the alleged kidnapping to the deaths being investigated.
That means the cases should be treated separately until investigators establish otherwise.
The woman’s statement could potentially assist police in understanding what happened and identifying those allegedly involved.
Authorities have not publicly disclosed extensive details about the incident, including the identities of any suspects.
Women’s safety concerns grow
The developments have increased women’s safety concerns across parts of Gauteng.
For many residents, the discovery of multiple bodies in open areas has created anxiety about travelling alone, exercising in isolated locations or walking through areas with limited visibility.
Police have previously advised women in and around Kempton Park to take additional precautions, including avoiding isolated areas and travelling with others where possible.
These precautions are particularly relevant while investigators continue working to establish whether the cases are connected.
However, public safety advice should not replace the responsibility of law enforcement to investigate crimes and protect communities.
The cases also highlight the broader problem of violence against women in South Africa.
Residents want answers from police
The continued discoveries are likely to increase pressure on police to provide answers about the investigations.
Residents want to know whether the women were targeted, whether the locations where their bodies were found are significant and whether a common suspect could be involved.
For investigators, however, establishing these links requires evidence.
Police must determine the circumstances surrounding each death before drawing conclusions about possible connections.
The discovery of the latest body in KwaThema makes that work even more urgent.
What happens next in the investigation?
The Sixth woman’s body found in Springs investigation is expected to begin with forensic examination and identification of the deceased.
Investigators will need to determine how and when the woman died, establish her identity and examine any evidence recovered from the scene.
The location where the body was found could also become an important part of the investigation.
Police may compare evidence from the KwaThema scene with information gathered from previous cases in Kempton Park, Olifantsfontein and surrounding areas.
Any similarities or differences could help investigators determine whether the cases are connected.
Authorities will also have to assess whether the alleged kidnapping provides any useful investigative leads.
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Kempton Park investigation under public scrutiny
The Kempton Park women deaths have placed significant attention on policing and community safety across the East Rand.
While authorities have not confirmed a serial killer or a connection between every case, the number of women found dead in nearby areas has understandably caused concern.
The Sixth woman’s body found in KwaThema now adds another case for investigators to examine.
At the same time, the alleged kidnapping in Kempton Park has heightened fears among residents.
Police will therefore face growing pressure to establish the facts, identify those responsible where crimes have occurred and reassure communities that every available investigative resource is being used.
For now, the circumstances surrounding the latest discovery remain under investigation.
The Gauteng police investigation will need to determine the identity of the deceased woman, establish the cause of death and assess whether evidence links the KwaThema case to any of the previous deaths.
Until those findings are confirmed, claims of a serial killer or a single connected crime network remain unproven.
What is clear is that the latest discovery has deepened women’s safety concerns across the East Rand and increased the urgency for police to provide answers to communities demanding justice and protection.
Mainstream media references
- Eyewitness News (EWN) – Police yet to find evidence linking separate deaths of 4 women in Kempton Park — reports that police had not established a link between the deaths and were investigating the cases separately.
Read the EWN report - The Citizen – SAPS investigates four women’s bodies found in Kempton Park — covers the discovery of multiple bodies and the ongoing SAPS investigation into whether the cases are connected.
Read The Citizen report - TimesLIVE – Police warn of possible serial killer in Kempton Park after four women found dead — reports on police warnings to women in the area and the investigation into the deaths.
Read the TimesLIVE report - Eyewitness News (EWN) – Kempton Park killings: Police probe links between four murders — reports on the police investigation into possible links between the deaths of four women.
Read the EWN report
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