KEMPTON PARK — Acting Minister of Police Firoz Cachalia has expressed profound concern and extended sincere condolences following the discovery of six women’s bodies in the Kempton Park area, marking a critical escalation in the ongoing Ekurhuleni murders investigation.
The latest development follows the discovery of a sixth body on Tuesday morning, adding to two other bodies found on Monday and four previous victims discovered in the same area over a period of approximately two months.
Having returned to South Africa yesterday from a working visit to China, Minister Cachalia immediately prioritized receiving a comprehensive update on the case. He announced that he, alongside Acting National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS), Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane, will meet with the investigating team this afternoon. This briefing will cover investigative progress, evidence gathered thus far, and the operational measures being implemented to identify and apprehend those responsible.
Addressing the severity of the situation, Minister Cachalia noted that while the investigation must formally establish whether the cases are linked, the possibility that a perpetrator or perpetrators are specifically targeting women demands urgent and determined attention. A multidisciplinary investigation has been officially established to examine potential links between the cases and ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice. The afternoon meeting will also serve to assess investigative progress and guarantee that all necessary resources and operational support are fully deployed.
During a media briefing on Monday evening, Deputy National Commissioner Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili issued a stern warning to the suspects, stating that law enforcement is actively on their trail and their “freedom is temporary.”
Emphasizing that the safety of women remains a top priority, Minister Cachalia affirmed that SAPS is actively collaborating with local communities and other stakeholders to identify risks, strengthen policing responses, and ensure credible information is acted upon swiftly.
Authorities have appealed to the public to share any relevant information through official police channels. Concurrently, citizens are strongly urged to refrain from circulating unverified information or making baseless accusations without evidence. The Ministry of Police reiterated its commitment to supporting the grieving families during this deeply painful period while ensuring a rigorous and resourced investigative response.
