Ekurhuleni murders: Urgent SAPS warning over fake identikits

Fake suspect images are spreading online as the Ekurhuleni murder investigation intensifies, prompting SAPS to warn that it has not released an identikit, wanted poster or photograph of anyone linked to the cases.

The warning follows growing public attention around the deaths of women in Kempton Park and other parts of Ekurhuleni, where nine cases are now under investigation. Police confirmed the ninth body in Dawn Park on Thursday.

SAPS said on Friday that members of the public should not circulate photographs claiming to show a suspect or suspects.

Any official image or description will come directly from police if investigators identify someone and need the public’s help.

INNOCENT PEOPLE COULD BE TARGETED

National police spokesperson, Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said the danger, SAPS warned, is that an unverified photograph can quickly turn an innocent person into a target.

“SAPS has not issued any identikit, wanted poster or photograph of a suspect or suspects in connection with these cases,” she said.

People wrongly identified online could face harassment, threats or other consequences before police have established any connection to the murders.

The service urged social media users to check information before sharing it and to rely on official SAPS communication channels for developments in the investigation.

The warning comes as police continue to work through several cases involving women found dead in Ekurhuleni.

NO OFFICIAL SUSPECT IMAGE RELEASED

Despite the circulation of photographs and speculation online, SAPS has not issued an official identikit or wanted poster connected to the Ekurhuleni murders.

Police have also not confirmed that one person killed all nine women.

Investigators continue to examine the circumstances surrounding each death and test possible links between cases.

Four women have so far been publicly identified, including 28-year-old Gracious Nkomo, whose family identified her after her body was found along the R21 in Kempton Park.

SAPS URGES PUBLIC TO REPORT INFORMATION

Rather than circulating names and photographs online, SAPS wants anyone with information that could help investigators to hand it directly to police.

The service said investigators remain focused on establishing what happened to the women and identifying whoever is responsible.

Police will issue an official appeal if they reach a stage where they need the public to help identify or trace a suspect.

Until then, SAPS has urged communities to treat unofficial posters, photographs and claims with caution.