Gauteng police commissioner Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni provided an update on the investigation into the discovery of a woman's body in Mooifontein Cemetery, Tembisa, on September 26, 2026. The body was found in the Vusimusi section of Tembisa South. Mthombeni stated that the investigation was still in its early stages and that police could not provide much information about what had happened. The crime scene management team was collecting evidence, and a post-mortem would be conducted to determine the cause of death.
The discovery brings the number of bodies found in the Ekurhuleni area to 10, while 11 bodies have been discovered across Gauteng in recent weeks. Mthombeni could not confirm whether the latest case was linked to the other victims. The police are taking a two-pronged approach to the investigation, focusing on both the investigation itself and the deployment of additional resources. Highly capable investigators have been assigned to the case, led by Major General Kumalo and working closely with Major General Lekalakala of crime intelligence.
The investigation is being monitored at the highest level within the South African Police Service (SAPS). A core command group, led by Mthombeni, is guiding the team and ensuring that the tracking of cases is done quickly. However, Mthombeni stressed that the Tembisa South case remained in its initial stages. Police have also offered a R400,000 reward for information that could assist with the investigations. A number of specialists, including an investigative psychologist, have been brought into the investigation to analyze evidence and understand the behavior of the alleged perpetrators.
Mthombeni also mentioned progress in another case in Dawn Park, where two people have appeared in court. He expressed optimism that other cases would be resolved soon. President Ramaphosa weighed in on the latest discovery, expressing sadness and shame over the continued killing of women in South Africa. He emphasized that men were defiling the country's standing by committing such acts and announced that interventions would be made to address the issue.
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi had called for a lockdown in response to the escalating gender-based violence crisis in the province. Mthombeni stated that the lockdown was being implemented under the Disaster Management Act of 2002, following the classification of gender-based violence as a national disaster. Police would continue to focus on both investigating existing cases and deploying resources to areas affected by the crisis.
The police response involves increased deployment and the allocation of physical resources. Mthombeni emphasized that the police were committed to resolving the cases and bringing perpetrators to justice. The community was urged to cooperate with the police and provide any information that could assist with the investigations. The R400,000 reward was offered to encourage people to come forward with information.
The discovery of the 10th female body in Ekurhuleni has raised concerns about the safety of women in the area. The police are working to identify the victim and determine the cause of death. The investigation is ongoing, and police are appealing for anyone with information to come forward. The case has highlighted the need for a concerted effort to address gender-based violence in South Africa.
Key points
- The police have offered a R400,000 reward for information that could assist with the investigations into the discovery of the 10th female body in Ekurhuleni.
- The investigation is being monitored at the highest level within the South African Police Service (SAPS), with a core command group guiding the team.
- The discovery brings the number of bodies found in the Ekurhuleni area to 10, while 11 bodies have been discovered across Gauteng in recent weeks.
