Kempton Park deaths: SAPS releases details of all four women

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has confirmed that detectives have already arrested a suspect in one of four cases involving women found dead in Kempton Park between July and September 2026.

Acting Gauteng Police Commissioner Major General Fred Kekana said police were investigating all four cases separately while a multidisciplinary team examined possible links.

He stressed that SAPS had not concluded that one person was responsible.

“While there are similarities in some of the circumstances surrounding the cases, it would be premature at this stage to conclude that the four cases are linked or that they involve one perpetrator,” Kekana said.

“Our responsibility is to establish the facts through evidence.”

The four victims and when they were found

• Police found the first victim, a 37-year-old woman, near the R21 on 15 July. She was naked and had been restrained with cable ties. Detectives arrested a suspect two days later, on 17 July. The suspect remains in custody while investigators continue working on the case.

• Police found the second victim, a 32-year-old woman, near the R21 on 24 August. She was partially clothed.

• Officers discovered the third woman on 10 September. She was naked and her body was in an advanced state of decomposition. Police have not yet identified her.

• The fourth victim, a 38-year-old woman, was found behind a hotel in Rhodesfield on 12 September. She was wearing sports clothing and was partially clothed. Her family still needs to formally confirm her identity through the mortuary identification process.

Specialist teams compare evidence

SAPS has deployed detectives, forensic specialists, tracking teams, K9 Search and Rescue members and experts from the Investigative Psychology Unit.

The team is comparing evidence, timelines, locations, victim profiles and the circumstances surrounding each death.

Kekana said investigators would follow the evidence before deciding whether the cases are connected.

“We are not limiting ourselves to one suspect or one theory,” he said.

Police will also establish whether more than one suspect could be involved or whether the deaths form part of separate investigations.

Appeal to public

SAPS has urged the public and media not to draw conclusions before investigators complete their work.

Police have also asked women and girls to take extra precautions when walking, running or exercising alone.

Residents should avoid isolated areas where possible, move in groups and tell someone where they are going.

Anyone with information can contact Warrant Officer Elvis Manyike on 082 465 7249.