Police offer R400 000 reward in Ekurhuleni murder probe

Acting National Police Commissioner Lt-Gen Puleng Dimpane says police have arrested one suspect and are hunting another as investigators probe the murders of eight women across Ekurhuleni.

Dimpane made the announcement during a high-level briefing on Tuesday night, where police also confirmed a R400 000 reward for information that could help investigators make a breakthrough.

She said police had intensified the investigation, with specialised teams following leads, analysing evidence and working to establish possible links between the cases.

The South African Police Service has not confirmed that the arrested suspect is connected to all eight murders.

Families of missing women urged to come forward

Families who have missing relatives have been urged to contact police as investigators work to identify six of the women.

Police forensic teams are working alongside Gauteng Health pathologists as the identification process continues.

The appeal comes as SAPS examines a rapidly expanding number of cases across Ekurhuleni.

Police have not confirmed that one person or group killed all eight women.

Police follow possible links

Investigators are comparing forensic evidence, locations, victim profiles and the circumstances surrounding each death to establish whether any of the cases are connected.

Dimpane said police were following specific leads and working to consolidate information from the cases.

SAPS has deployed a high-level multidisciplinary team to drive the investigation.

Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia vowed that police would leave “no stone unturned” in bringing those responsible to justice.

Clayville river case added to investigation

Dimpane also confirmed that police are examining the death of a woman found in a river near the Mall of Thembisa in Clayville.

Police found the woman in the water and opened an inquest.

Acting Gauteng Police Commissioner Major-General Fred Kekana said earlier that investigators found no visible injuries on her body but included the case in the wider probe to ensure they did not overlook a possible connection.

The woman remains unidentified.

Eight women now form part of wider probe

The investigation initially centred on women found dead in and around Kempton Park before police widened their focus to other parts of Ekurhuleni.

Cachalia confirmed on Tuesday night that authorities were now investigating the murders of eight women.

Police have not released full details about the eighth woman or established that all eight deaths are linked.

SAPS has also announced plans to significantly increase police visibility in Kempton Park and surrounding areas as detectives pursue leads.