JUST IN: Gracious Nkomo identified as fourth Kempton Park victim

Gracious Nkomo now has a name in an investigation that has left families across Ekurhuleni waiting for answers.

The 28-year-old became the fourth publicly identified victim on Thursday after her family formally identified her at the Germiston Mortuary.

Police found Nkomo partially clothed along the R21 in Kempton Park on 10 September.

Her identification comes as detectives investigate the deaths of nine women across Ekurhuleni, with several victims still awaiting formal identification.

GRACIOUS NKOMO FOUND ALONG R21

Nkomo was the third woman whose body police discovered in the Kempton Park area during the current spate of killings.

Her family identified her exactly one week after officers found her body.

SAPS has not released further details about the circumstances surrounding her death as detectives continue to work on the case.

Nkomo joins Elizabeth “Tsontso” Moselakgomo, Itumeleng Kekana and Dineo Evelyn Motapane as the women whose families have publicly confirmed their identities.

FAMILY GETS PAINFUL CONFIRMATION

Acting National Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Puleng Dimpane sent condolences to Nkomo’s loved ones following the identification.

“We extend our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Gracious Nkomo during this extremely difficult time,” Dimpane said.

She said detectives remain focused on establishing what happened to Nkomo and the other women.

“Our investigators remain seized with these cases, and we will continue to pursue every available lead to ensure that those responsible for these murders are brought to justice,” she said.

INVESTIGATION INTO NINE DEATHS CONTINUES

Police have assembled a multidisciplinary team to examine the deaths and pursue those responsible.

The investigation has widened rapidly as more bodies have surfaced across different parts of Ekurhuleni since July.

A ninth woman was found in Dawn Park on Thursday, adding another case to the growing investigation.

SAPS has not concluded that one person killed all nine women and continues to examine possible links between the cases.

Police have also intensified operations in Kempton Park while detectives work through forensic evidence, victim movements and other information that could help identify suspects.