Ekurhuleni murders: Eight victims identified, three suspects questioned

Police have identified eight of the nine women whose deaths are under investigation across Ekurhuleni, while three suspects have been called in for questioning.

Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia confirmed the developments on Sunday as authorities increased resources across the area.

Seven families have already been informed. Investigators have also identified an eighth woman but have not yet traced her relatives.

“We now have seven victims who are known. Their families have been informed,” Cachalia said.

“There is one case where we have identified the victim, but I will not make an announcement yet because the family hasn’t been informed yet because we need an address.”

Only one of the nine victims therefore remains unidentified.

THREE SUSPECTS CALLED IN

Cachalia said investigators had called three suspects in for questioning.

“Subsequent to that announcement, I can indicate that there are three suspects who have been called in for questioning,” he said.

Authorities have not said whether any of them were detained or charged.

“With respect to the murder of Busisiwe on the 15th of July, there was an arrest,” he said.

NO SERIAL-KILLER CONCLUSION YET

Cachalia cautioned against concluding that one person killed all nine women.

“I know that there is a lot of speculation about serial killers and so forth. I would say at this point it’s really premature to speculate along those lines,” he said.

He added that some of the cases appeared to show different methods and possible motives.

“Some of the cases appear to have a different modus operandi and motives, but we are not excluding any outcome, any conclusion.”

A multidisciplinary team continues to test possible links between the deaths.

MORE RESOURCES DEPLOYED

Cachalia said additional resources had been deployed across Ekurhuleni to strengthen the investigation and reassure residents.

“The community in Ekurhuleni needs to understand that their safety is a priority,” he said.

He said the deployments also reflected the commitment to finding those responsible.

Authorities have increased visible policing in Kempton Park and surrounding areas as the investigation continues.

The investigation now focuses on tracing the eighth victim’s family, identifying the remaining woman and establishing whether any of the nine cases are connected.