The South African Police Service (SAPS) is under mounting pressure to solve the murders of nine women in Ekurhuleni, with a suspected serial killer believed to be on the loose. The victims were found in various areas, including Kempton Park, Rhodesfield, Olifantsfontein, KwaThema, Clayville, and Dawn Park. The first victim, Jabulile Ntimba, was found near the R21 on July 15, followed by more discoveries on September 10. Many of the victims were found half-naked or partially clothed with signs of physical trauma or bruising.
Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia led the first phase of the ministerial oversight in Kempton Park on Friday, accompanied by Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi, Deputy Minister Cassel Mathale, and other senior officials. The purpose of the visit was to deliberate and explore strategic solutions regarding the murders. A multidisciplinary task team, headed by Lt-Gen Hilda Senthumule, has been established to investigate the deaths. The team includes experts from various fields, including detective and forensic services, crime intelligence, and provincial commissioners.
Stephen Birch, a South African property developer and self-styled investigator, has become involved in the case and released a social media video aimed at drawing out the suspected serial killer. Birch believes the killer is highly intelligent and intimately familiar with the geographical knowledge of the area. He noted that the deliberate and careful planning was evident in the meticulously selected disposal sites, which featured highly specific indicators such as buffer zones, dense foliage, and T-junctions.
Birch added that the suspected killer carefully selected the locations, with many lacking street lighting. He believes the suspect could have easily abducted, murdered, and hidden the victims before returning their bodies to the streets without raising any suspicion. Birch also speculated that the killer may be using a vehicle, specifically a van with a side door that allows for rapid body disposal. He criticized the police for ruining crucial evidence by driving and walking over it.
One suspect, the partner of a victim, was arrested in connection with the body found in July, and three suspects were arrested by the Gauteng Murder and Robbery Unit in connection with the ninth victim found in Dawn Park. However, during court proceedings, the State confirmed that it has released the male suspect without charge. The SAPS has not yet formally linked all the cases or confirmed if a serial killer is responsible.
Investigative psychologist Dr Micki Pistorius has stated that investigators should seriously consider the possibility of an active serial killer in relation to the killings. She noted that there are similarities in the victim profiles, and the concentrated vicinity of the murder scenes is accessible within a 30-minute drive. Pistorius added that certain aspects of the modus operandi, such as the victims being clearly dumped and not killed at the scene, would be enough to declare a serial killer active.
The murders have sparked fear and outrage in the community, with residents expressing concerns about their safety. The SAPS is under pressure to secure an arrest and avoid public outcry. As the investigation continues, the police are urging anyone with information to come forward. The community is also calling for increased measures to prevent such crimes and ensure justice for the victims and their families.
Key points
- The SAPS is under pressure to solve the murders of nine women in Ekurhuleni, with a suspected serial killer believed to be on the loose.
- A multidisciplinary task team has been established to investigate the deaths, including experts from various fields.
- Investigative psychologist Dr Micki Pistorius believes that investigators should consider the possibility of an active serial killer in relation to the killings.
