Sunday, 20 September 2026

Eight of the nine women found dead in Ekurhuleni since July have been identified; three persons of interest were called in for questioning, while one family remains unnotified.

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi said Kempton Park would face a lockdown and pledged the full force of the law against those responsible for the murders.

Researcher Lisa Vetten warned authorities must establish whether the deaths are linked: a serial killing requires urgent arrests, while unrelated cases point to entrenched violence needing long-term action.

Retired investigative psychologist Elmarie Myberg said similarities in wounds, victims’ clothing, locations and timing could indicate a serial murderer, but profiling requires evidence beyond television-style shortcuts.

Acting Police Minister Feroz Kachalia confirmed one arrest, another person under investigation and a high-level multidisciplinary team, while conceding he could not guarantee further attacks would not occur.