Police task team probes five East Rand deaths as expert warns of copycat risk

eNCA reports (watch the original) that a security strategist has warned the attention surrounding the deaths of women in the East Rand could draw copycat perpetrators who seek to emulate what they see.

Andy Mashaile says it is too early to speculate on the cases, but that certain aspects of the deaths in Ekurhuleni stand out. His warning comes as Gauteng police investigate the deaths of five women found in the area over a two-month period.

The most recent discovery was a fifth woman’s body, found partially clothed in Olifantsfontein on Monday, about 25km from where the bodies of four other women were discovered.

What police have confirmed

The first victim, a 37-year-old woman, was found on 15 July. A second woman, aged 32, was discovered on 24 August, and a third on 10 September. On Saturday, the body of an unidentified woman wearing running clothes was found in the same area.

Police have not confirmed whether that body is that of missing runner Elizabeth “Tsontso” Moselakgomo. Her family is expected to visit the Germiston Mortuary on Monday to identify the body.

Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe says a suspect, who was the first victim’s boyfriend, has been arrested in connection with her death. Mathe says authorities are not ruling out the possibility of a serial killer, and are also investigating whether different perpetrators could be responsible for the deaths.

“We are quite concerned, that is why without hesitation we established a dedicated team,” Mathe said.

Experienced detectives have been assigned to the cases, which have alarmed the Kempton Park community. Mathe says the team will not be rushed and that investigators will take the necessary time to conduct a thorough investigation.

Where the bodies were found

The second, third and fourth bodies were discovered in areas characterised by bushes and tall, uncut grass. Mashaile says the condition of these areas creates challenges for both police and municipalities.

“Municipalities must ensure that pedestrians can walk through places of work and school through those areas where danger can be seen from a distance,” he said. “Any person waiting in ambush can be identified.”

Mashaile says it is unfortunate that the areas where the women were found were not properly maintained. He is calling on municipalities to work with law enforcement and communities to make public spaces safer.

The cases have prompted demands for action from Kempton Park residents and the local running community, who have raised concerns about women’s safety in the area.

What happens next

The family of Elizabeth Moselakgomo is due at the Germiston Mortuary on Monday to identify the body found on Saturday. The dedicated police team continues its investigation into all five deaths, and no further arrests have been announced.