Acting Police Minister Professor Firoz Cachalia says police are preparing to place Kempton Park under lockdown as law-enforcement authorities intensify their response to the deaths of women in the area.
Cachalia announced the planned operation following the discovery of another woman’s body, bringing to eight the number of women’s bodies now recorded as part of the broader investigation.
The planned lockdown is expected to involve a heightened police presence and intensified operations as officers search for information and evidence that could lead to those responsible.
The announcement represents a significant escalation in the police response following days of growing concern over the discovery of women’s bodies in and around Kempton Park and other parts of Ekurhuleni.
Police have already deployed a multidisciplinary team involving detectives, Crime Intelligence, forensic experts, tracking teams, K9 units and other specialised resources.
Cachalia has also announced a R400,000 reward for information leading to an arrest as authorities appeal to members of the public to assist investigators.
The investigation initially focused on several women whose bodies were discovered around Kempton Park between July and September.
Among the victims identified is 38-year-old Elizabeth “Tsontso” Moselakgomo, who disappeared after leaving home for her routine run. Her body was subsequently found in Rhodesfield and identified by her family.
Police previously revealed that four of five women whose cases were under investigation at that stage had been sexually assaulted.
However, authorities have cautioned against assuming that every woman’s death being examined is connected.
Acting Gauteng Provincial Commissioner Major General Fred Kekana earlier clarified that one of the women added to the broader count had been found floating in a river on 7 September wearing only underwear. She had no visible injuries, remains unidentified, and police have not established whether her death is linked to the other cases.
The discovery of an eighth body has now added further urgency to the investigation.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has also directed police to prioritise the cases and ensure that no stone is left unturned in identifying and apprehending those responsible.
Details of exactly what the planned Kempton Park lockdown will involve, including the areas to be targeted and how long the operation will continue, are expected to be clarified by police.
