Kempton Park deaths: Police boost patrols as probe widens

The South African Police Service have increased patrols and deployed additional officers across Kempton Park and surrounding parts of Ekurhuleni after five women were found dead since July.

SAPS Deputy National Commissioner for Policing Lieutenant-General Tebello Mosikili said police had joined forces with the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) to strengthen visibility and operations in affected areas.

“We are putting more boots on the ground,” Mosikili said.

She said SAPS had increased patrols, intensified investigations and deployed additional specialist resources.

SAPS strengthens presence in Ekurhuleni

Mosikili said police had reinforced their deployment because the deaths had caused fear among residents, particularly women.

“We understand the fear and anxiety that these murder cases have created, particularly among women and families in the affected areas,” she said.

“We have brought additional resources onto the ground, and we are tightening our grip on Ekurhuleni.”

Detectives, intelligence officers, forensic experts, tracking teams, Search and Rescue personnel and K9 units are working on the investigation.

Police are analysing victim and suspect profiles, while intelligence and tracking teams follow leads and identify people who may assist the investigation.

LIVE | SAPS deputy national commissioner for policing Lieutenant-General Tebello Mosikili outlines plans to increase police presence and patrols in Kempton Park, assuring women that additional safety measures will be put in place. pic.twitter.com/FlFbqkAC11

— SABC News (@SABCNews) September 14, 2026

Police investigate five women’s deaths

SAPS is investigating five cases involving women found dead in the Ekurhuleni area since July.

Police found the latest victim, believed to be in her 30s, partially naked on the side of the road in Olifantsfontein on Monday morning.

Mosikili said officers had now found three bodies within one week.

Police also confirmed that Elizabeth “Tsontso” Moselakgomo’s family positively identified her body on Monday.

In a separate case, police found a woman who had been kidnapped in Kempton Park on Sunday and reunited her with her family.

Police have arrested one suspect in connection with the first murder case from July. He remains in custody.

SAPS holds high-level operational meeting

SAPS and EMPD held a high-level meeting on Monday evening to review the investigations, evidence, resources and leads.

Mosikili said police would not reveal operational details while detectives continue their work.

“We do not show criminals our hand as law enforcement,” she said.

Investigators are examining similarities between some of the deaths but have not confirmed that the cases are linked.

“We will not confirm a linkage until every investigative and forensic process has been completed,” Mosikili said.

17 women reported missing since January

Mosikili also revealed that families had reported 17 women missing in the Kempton Park area since January.

Police have located 13 of them and reunited them with their families.

She urged residents not to allow fear to take hold and said police would continue using intelligence gathering, tracking, forensic analysis and detective work to find those responsible.

Mosikili also called on men in Kempton Park and Ekurhuleni to help protect women.

“For far too long, when women are at risk, the conversation has been about what women must do to keep themselves safe,” she said.