President Cyril Ramaphosa has ordered police to prioritise the investigation into the recent killings of women in and around Kempton Park, declaring that no stone should be left unturned in finding those responsible.
The President’s intervention comes amid growing fear over the discovery of women’s bodies in the East Rand area and increasing demands for answers about who is behind the killings.
In a statement issued by the Presidency, Ramaphosa said he had personally spoken to the Minister of Police and Acting National Police Commissioner and received a briefing on the ongoing investigation.
He said the recent incidents had created fear and uncertainty, particularly among women.
“These incidents are causing fear and uncertainty in our communities, and especially among women.”
Ramaphosa said he had directed law enforcement agencies to treat the investigations as a priority.
“I have spoken to the Minister of Police and the Acting National Police Commissioner, who have briefed me on the investigation. I have directed that these cases be prioritised and that no stone be left unturned in bringing those responsible to justice.”
The President stopped short of suggesting that a single person or group is responsible for all the deaths, referring instead to the “perpetrator or perpetrators” as police continue working to establish the facts.
This is significant because police have previously cautioned against prematurely concluding that the deaths are connected or that a serial killer is operating in the area.
The killings have received heightened attention following the disappearance and death of 38-year-old Elizabeth “Tsontso” Moselakgomo, who went missing after leaving her Kempton Park home for a routine run.
Her body was subsequently found and positively identified by her family, while a post-mortem examination is expected to form an important part of determining the circumstances surrounding her death.
Ramaphosa expressed condolences to the families of all the women who have died and said government shares the concerns being expressed by South Africans.
“As government, we share the concerns of all South Africans, and we mourn the lives so cruelly taken away.”
He also called on members of the public to assist investigators with information that could help police establish what happened and identify those responsible.
“Our law enforcement agencies are undertaking this work in partnership with citizens, on whom we depend for any information that may help end these attacks on women.”
Ramaphosa’s direct intervention places additional pressure on law enforcement agencies to make progress in cases that have generated widespread public concern and fear among women in Kempton Park and surrounding communities.
Anyone with information about the incidents, or whose relative or friend is missing, has been asked to contact Warrant Officer Elvis Manyike on 082 465 7249.
