Kempton Park body count reaches nine as police name Gracious Nkomo, 28
A multidisciplinary SAPS team is investigating the deaths of women found along the R21, with policing in the area stepped up.
Nine women are now known to have been found dead in and around Kempton Park since September 10, after the family of Gracious Nkomo identified her body at the Germiston Mortuary on Thursday.
Nkomo was 28. Her body was found partially clothed along the R21, according to South African Police Service spokesperson Athlenda Mathe.
As IOL reported on September 17, her family made the identification on Thursday. The Enquirer has confirmed the details of the identification with SAPS.
What is known
On September 10, several women’s bodies were discovered in the Kempton Park area. Police launched investigations and operations in response.
On Thursday, a ninth body was found in Dawn Park, Ekurhuleni. Gauteng acting provincial commissioner Major General Fred Kekana told media that preliminary investigations indicated the woman’s remains had been dumped there.
Police have not said the deaths are linked. They have not named a suspect.
Acting National Commissioner of SAPS, Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane, said a multidisciplinary team of investigators is working to establish what happened and to identify those responsible.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Gracious Nkomo during this extremely difficult time,” Dimpane said.
“Our investigators remain seized with these cases, and we will continue to pursue every available lead to ensure that those responsible for these murders are brought to justice.”
What the state has done
SAPS has intensified policing operations in Kempton Park. Investigators are pursuing leads, and the public has been asked to come forward with any information that could assist.
The multidisciplinary team is the standard SAPS response to a cluster of cases that may share a pattern. It brings together detectives, forensic specialists and analysts under one command.
Anyone with information can contact SAPS on 10111 or use the MySAPS app.
What it means for people here
Kempton Park sits on the eastern edge of Johannesburg, close to OR Tambo International Airport. The R21 is a major route through the area, used daily by commuters, airport workers and freight drivers.
The discovery of multiple bodies along that road over a single week has changed how people move through the area, particularly women travelling early or late.
Residents in Dawn Park and the surrounding Ekurhuleni suburbs will notice the heavier police presence. Whether it holds is the question that matters now.
What happens next
SAPS has not given a date for when the multidisciplinary team will report back, nor has it named any suspects.
The investigation into each of the nine deaths continues. The Germiston Mortuary is handling the identification process for the victims.
Source: IOL, Family identifies 28-year-old Gracious Nkomo as third victim found in Kempton Park
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