Fifth Woman’s Body Found Near Kempton Park Highway

Fear and anger are mounting across Kempton Park following the discovery of a fifth woman’s body near the R21 freeway on Monday morning.

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has established a specialised multidisciplinary task team to investigate the deaths and determine whether there is a connection between the cases.

The latest victim was found partially clothed with visible signs of physical trauma along the R21 corridor near Olifantsfontein. Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said preliminary indications are that the woman was murdered elsewhere before her body was dumped at the scene.

The latest discovery brings to five the number of women whose bodies have been recovered from isolated areas around Kempton Park and nearby Rhodesfield since mid-July.

• July 15: The body of a 37-year-old woman, who was naked and bound with cable ties, was discovered in an open field near the R21. Police arrested a male suspect two days later, and he remains in custody.
• August 24: A 32-year-old woman was found dead and partially clothed, with visible bruising, near the R21.
• September 10: Detectives recovered the partially clothed and heavily decomposed body of an unidentified woman in Rhodesfield.
• September 12: The body of 38-year-old Elizabeth “Tsontso” Moselakgomo was discovered in sports clothing behind a hotel in Rhodesfield. Moselakgomo, a mother, had gone missing after leaving for an afternoon jog. Her family formally identified her remains at the Germiston mortuary on Monday.
• September 14: Police were called to a crime scene in Olifantsfontein following the discovery of the fifth victim.

The deaths have sparked widespread concern that a serial killer could be operating along the highway corridor, with the cases also prompting community protests.

However, SAPS has cautioned against drawing premature conclusions about a possible connection between the cases.

Acting National Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane has directed Gauteng police to establish a high-level task team led by Deputy Provincial Commissioner Major General Mbuso Khumalo.

The team includes specialists from the Murder and Robbery Unit, K9 Search and Rescue, and the Investigative Psychology Unit.

Gauteng Acting Provincial Commissioner Major General Fred Kekana said investigators are examining similarities in the timelines, victim profiles and locations while pursuing multiple theories.

These include the possibility that the deaths involve separate perpetrators or multiple people acting together.

As forensic teams process evidence from the latest crime scene, SAPS has urged women, joggers and commuters in Kempton Park, Rhodesfield and Olifantsfontein to remain vigilant.

Residents are advised to avoid isolated areas where possible and to exercise in groups.

Police have also appealed to motorists, private security guards and residents who may have witnessed suspicious activity along the R21 or around Rhodesfield to come forward.

Information can be provided to Warrant Officer Elvis Manyike on 082 465 7249. Members of the public can also submit anonymous information through the MySAPS App.