Kempton Park ‘lockdown’: What does this mean for residents?

Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia has announced plans to shut down parts of Ekurhuleni, particularly Kempton Park and surrounding areas. This is intended to intensify the hunt for those responsible for a growing number of killings of women.

EIGHT WOMEN’S BODIES HAVE BEEN FOUND, KEMPTON PARK TO BE UNDER ‘LOCKDOWN’

South Africans are in shock, and heartbroken over the news that the number of bodies found dead in Ekurhuleni had rised from five to eight, confirmed within just one day. A second woman has also been identified.

Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia announced plans to shut down parts of Ekurhuleni, particularly Kempton Park as well as the surrounding areas, as authorities further invesigate the growing number of killings of women.

“I want to give the people of Ekurhuleni and the families the assurance that we will leave no stone unturned to bring the culprits to book,” he said.

Cachalia announced that police visibility in the area will be substantially increased through Operation Shanela, backed by a multidisciplinary investigative team led by a deputy provincial commissioner. A R400 000 reward has been offered for information leading to a breakthrough.

Operation Shanela is a nationwide, high-density crime-fighting initiative led by the South African Police Service (SAPS) in collaboration with other law enforcement agencies, traffic police, the Department of Home Affairs, and Community Policing Forums (CPFs).

“So, in addition to the establishment of this multidisciplinary team of highly competent investigators and professionals, we will massively expand visibility through Operation Shanela in Kempton Park and the surrounding areas. In the weeks ahead, the police will lock down this area. In the coming weeks, community will see the presence of the South African Police Service (SAPS), and we will mobilise all necessary law enforcement capabilities,” he said.

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR RESIDENTS?

• Increased police presence: Residents can expect a major influx of police officers and other law enforcement including specialised investigators, tactical teams and high-visibility roadblocks under Operation Shanela.
• Strict travel advisories for women: The SAPS has advised women not to walk, run or exercise alone. However, these comments have come under severe scrutiny.
• Group travel encouraged: Residents have been urged to commute in groups and be vigilant.
• Heightened community watch: Authorities are relying on community intelligence. Residents are requested to immediately report any suspicious behaviour, vehicles etc.