South African police have confirmed the discovery of a fifth woman’s body in Olifantsfontein, Ekurhuleni, intensifying an investigation into a series of deaths that has raised fears of a possible serial killer targeting women in the Kempton Park area.
The latest body was discovered on Monday morning, September 14, near the old Comair aviation training centre along the R21. A passer-by reportedly found the woman and alerted police.
Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said the woman was found partially undressed and with visible bruising. Preliminary indications suggest she may have been dumped at the location between Sunday night and Monday morning.
Mathe said investigators were working to determine whether the latest death is connected to the four other cases recorded in the Kempton Park area over roughly two months.
“It looks like the crime didn’t happen here,” Mathe said, indicating that investigators believe the woman may have been killed elsewhere before her body was dumped in Olifantsfontein.
The latest discovery comes after police identified a disturbing pattern in four earlier cases.
According to police, the first victim, a 37-year-old woman, was found near the R21 on July 15. She was reportedly naked and had been restrained with cable ties. A suspect was arrested two days later and remains in custody.
A second woman, aged 32, was found partially clothed near the R21 on August 24.
On September 10, the body of a third woman was discovered in an advanced state of decomposition. Her identity had not been established at the time of the latest reports.
The fourth body was found on the evening of September 12 at the back of a hotel in Rhodesfield. The woman, believed to be 38, was wearing sports clothing and was partially clothed. Her formal identification was still pending.
Police say the circumstances surrounding several of the deaths have similarities: the victims were found partially or half-naked, with visible bruising, while the locations were within the same general area.
However, SAPS has not confirmed that the deaths are linked or that a serial killer is responsible.
Police have instead said the similarities are sufficiently concerning to warrant a specialised investigation and a public warning.
Acting National Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Puleng Dimpane has directed the Gauteng provincial commissioner to establish a dedicated multidisciplinary task team to investigate the deaths and establish whether there is a connection between them.
SAPS has urged women in and around Kempton Park, particularly in Rhodesfield and other isolated areas, not to walk or run alone.
Residents have been advised to avoid secluded areas, remain vigilant and, where possible, travel or exercise in groups. Police have also appealed to motorists, security personnel and residents who may have witnessed suspicious activity to provide information.