EKURHULENI, Gauteng — The investigation into the serial Ekurhuleni women murders has intensified after authorities discovered a seventh victim, bringing the total number of female bodies found in the region over the past two months to seven. The latest grim discovery near a clinic in KwaThema, Springs, follows the recent identification of 38-year-old Elizabeth “Tsontso” Moselakgomo, as police and criminologists race to determine if a single predator is responsible or if copycat criminals are exploiting the crisis.
Mounting Toll and Public Outcry
The string of fatalities has sparked widespread anger and frustration across social media, particularly regarding the timeline of the investigations. A woman’s body discovered in Clayville on September 7 was only officially linked to the broader Ekurhuleni women murders series on September 15. This eight-day delay in public communication drew heavy criticism from a community already on edge.
Meanwhile, the family of Moselakgomo, an avid runner who went missing in the Kempton Park area, positively identified her remains at the Germiston mortuary. Initially centered around Kempton Park, law enforcement is now widening its net, reviewing cases outside the original epicenter to determine if they are connected to the broader spree.
Sexual Assaults and the Copycat Threat
A chilling detail established by investigators is that most of the victims were sexually assaulted prior to their deaths. Criminologist Hannes Koekemoer noted that this pattern significantly increases the likelihood that authorities are hunting a serial rapist who has escalated to murder. While Koekemoer cautioned against definitively labeling the crimes a “series” without concrete evidence of a shared modus operandi, he acknowledged that two or more killings executed in the same manner generally fit the profile.
However, the high-profile nature of the Ekurhuleni women murders has introduced a secondary threat: copycat crimes. Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe and Koekemoer both warned that active serial killer investigations often prompt unrelated perpetrators to dump bodies in similar fashions.
“It is not uncommon,” Koekemoer explained, noting that individuals involved in gender-based violence or intimate partner murders might use the guise of a serial killer to divert attention away from themselves. While single murderers typically try to hide their crimes, some serial offenders intentionally leave bodies in visible areas to instill fear, as the threat of violence often forms part of their criminal ideology. This makes the distinction between a primary predator and a copycat incredibly complex for investigators.
Community Risk Management and Safe Spaces
With the threat level remaining critically high for women in the area, experts are shifting focus toward immediate risk management. Koekemoer emphasized that while telling women how to “avoid being murdered” is a difficult and often frustrating conversation, practical community safety measures are vital.
He advised residents to run in groups and remain hyper-aware of their surroundings. Furthermore, he stressed the importance of “corporate governance” in public spaces—urging municipalities and property managers to clear shrubs, maintain clear sightlines, and eliminate hiding spots. Enhanced police visibility, he added, is equally crucial to restoring a sense of safety in these environments.
Profiling Legacy and Modern Forensics
Despite the current climate of fear, South Africa possesses a world-class legacy in tracking down serial offenders. Koekemoer pointed to the foundational work of renowned profilers like Micki Pistorius and Gerard Labuschagne, whose training has left a lasting, highly capable mark on the South African Police Service (SAPS). He expressed hope that as the net widens for victims, it also widens for resources, pulling in the country’s best investigative minds.
Criminals have undoubtedly evolved, increasingly leveraging technology and social media to groom victims, lure them into unsafe spaces, and mask their digital footprints. Yet, as the hunt for the perpetrator behind the Ekurhuleni women murders continues, experts remain confident in the ultimate equalizer.
“Forensics and science do not lie at the end of the day,” Koekemoer stated. “Everybody leaves a trace.”
