Fifth woman found dead as Kempton Park serial killer fears intensify

Police have found a fifth woman dead near Kempton Park, adding fresh urgency to an investigation that has already prompted fears of a possible serial killer.

Authorities discovered the woman’s body in Olifantsfontein on Monday morning, 14 September.

SAPS national spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said the woman had visible bruising and was not fully clothed. Her body had not decomposed. Preliminary observations also suggested she may have died elsewhere before someone left her at the scene.

The latest discovery brings the number of women found dead in and around Kempton Park to five in about two months.

The cases have fuelled fears of a possible serial killer, but SAPS has not confirmed that one person is responsible or that all five cases are linked.

Mathe said specialists still need to analyse the cases before police can reach that conclusion.

“Our experts must paint a picture to confirm that we are dealing with a serial killer,” she said.

Fifth body changes scope of Kempton Park probe

As The South African previously reported, police initially launched a multidisciplinary investigation after officers found four women dead between July and September.

SAPS released details about each case on Sunday, 13 September.

• Police found the first victim, a 37-year-old woman, near the R21 on 15 July. She was naked and restrained with cable ties. Detectives arrested a suspect on 17 July. He remains in custody in connection with that case.
• Police found the second victim, a 32-year-old woman, near the R21 on 24 August. She was partially clothed.
• Officers discovered a third woman on 10 September. Her body was naked and in an advanced state of decomposition. Police had not formally identified her when they briefed the media on Sunday.
• The fourth woman, aged 38, was found behind a hotel in Rhodesfield on 12 September. Police confirmed that she was wearing sports clothing and was partially clothed. Her identity remained subject to formal confirmation by her family.

Monday’s discovery has now forced the task team to consider a fifth case. The multidisciplinary team held an urgent meeting in Midrand following the discovery.

Are the deaths linked?

Police have repeatedly cautioned against drawing conclusions too early.

Acting Gauteng Police Commissioner Major General Fred Kekana said on Sunday that similarities existed in some of the cases, but investigators did not yet have enough evidence to establish a common perpetrator.

“We are not limiting ourselves to one suspect or one theory,” Kekana said during the briefing.

Investigators are comparing dockets, timelines, locations, victim profiles and forensic evidence. SAPS has also brought in its Investigative Psychology Unit to examine behavioural patterns and possible connections.

The latest case means investigators must now determine whether the Olifantsfontein death has any connection to those already under review.

Missing runner’s family awaiting answers

The investigation has also unfolded alongside the disappearance of Kempton Park runner Elizabeth “Tsontso” Moselakgomo, 38.

Moselakgomo went missing on 9 September after leaving her Rhodesfield home for a routine run. She did not return.

After authorities found the fourth woman on Saturday, Moselakgomo’s family said they could not confirm whether the body was hers and urged members of the public not to circulate unverified information.

As of Sunday, the family was awaiting the formal mortuary identification process.

Police have not publicly confirmed that the fourth victim is Moselakgomo.

Separate dating-app warning

Kempton Park police have also raised concern about a separate series of crimes involving dating apps and social media.

Police recorded about 10 cases in which victims allegedly met people online before suspects lured them to locations and robbed or sexually assaulted them.

SAPS has not linked those cases to the women’s deaths.

Police deploy maximum resources

SAPS has deployed detectives, forensic specialists, tracking teams, K9 Search and Rescue members and investigative psychology experts.

Police have also urged women in Kempton Park and surrounding areas to remain cautious, particularly when walking or running alone in isolated places.

The discovery of a fifth woman has intensified public concern. Residents gathered in Kempton Park on Monday amid calls for police to find those responsible.

For now, police say the evidence must determine whether investigators are dealing with one offender, several perpetrators or unrelated cases.