Police in Ekurhuleni are continuing to investigate a series of cases involving women who have been killed or found dead across the metro since July.
Twelve women are involved in the investigations, with detectives yet to resolve nine of the cases.
Three of the victims have also not been identified, adding another layer of difficulty for investigators trying to establish what happened to them and who may be responsible.
Police Make Progress in Several Investigations
Gauteng Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Tommy Mthombeni said detectives have made progress in some of the cases.
Three investigations have been resolved, while persons of interest have been identified in three cases in Kempton Park.
Police have brought in specialist detectives, forensic experts and an investigative psychologist as they work to make further breakthroughs in the outstanding investigations.
A reward of R400 000 is also available for information that leads to the identification and arrest of those responsible.
Killings Spread Across Several Ekurhuleni Areas
The cases have been reported in different parts of Ekurhuleni, including Kempton Park, Clayville, Olifantsfontein, KwaThema, Dawn Park and Thembisa.
The locations where the bodies were discovered have also varied.
Some women were found in open areas, while others were discovered near roads, waterways and a cemetery.
Despite the similarities that have raised public concern, police have not established that all 12 women were killed by the same person or group.
Investigators are therefore treating the cases individually while forensic teams examine evidence for any possible connections.
Three Victims Have Yet to Be Identified
One of the most difficult aspects of the investigation is the fact that three victims remain unidentified.
Police are relying on forensic evidence and other investigative techniques in an effort to establish their identities.
The identification of the women could provide investigators with important information about their backgrounds, movements and circumstances before their deaths.
Suspect Arrested in Ntombifuthi Nxumalo Case
One investigation that has recorded a significant breakthrough concerns Ntombifuthi Nxumalo.
Her body was discovered at Mooifontein Cemetery in Thembisa on 26 September.
Police said she had suffered serious head injuries.
Investigators subsequently traced a 36-year-old suspect to Limpopo, where he was arrested in connection with her murder.
The suspect later appeared before the Tembisa Magistrate’s Court.
Boitumelo Mashita’s Death Raises Fresh Concern
Another recent case involved 23-year-old Boitumelo Gift Mashita, who was shot while walking to work in Temong, Thembisa, on 28 September.
Police identified her estranged husband as a person of interest and began searching for him.
The investigation took another turn when police later found him dead inside his vehicle in Midrand.
An inquest was opened into his death.
Police have stressed that Mashita’s murder has not been linked to the other cases involving women across Ekurhuleni.
Community Anger Grows Over Women’s Deaths
The number of cases has prompted growing concern among residents and community organisations.
Residents, churches, non-governmental organisations, students and members of the biking community marched from the Kempton Park Civic Centre to the local police station on Saturday.
The demonstrators called for justice for the victims and demanded greater police visibility in communities.
The protest followed weeks of concern over the discovery of women’s bodies in different parts of the metro.
Alberton Memorial to Honour GBVF Victims
The focus will now turn to Alberton, where a National Prayer and Memorial Service is being held at the Alberton Civic Centre on Sunday.
The ANC Women’s League is leading the gathering, which is scheduled to begin at 10:00.
Faith-based organisations, political parties and civil society groups are expected to participate in the event, which will honour women killed through gender-based violence and femicide.
ANCWL secretary-general Nokuthula Nqaba said the service is intended to bring communities together in remembrance while strengthening the collective response to violence against women and children.
Police Continue Searching for Answers
The investigations remain active as detectives work to resolve the nine outstanding cases.
With three women still unidentified and no confirmed link between all of the killings, police face the difficult task of establishing the circumstances surrounding each death.
Authorities have urged anyone with information that could assist the investigations to come forward.
The R400 000 reward remains available for information that helps police identify and bring those responsible to justice.
