The discovery of another woman’s body in KwaThema, Springs, has pushed the number of women whose deaths are being investigated across Ekurhuleni to eight, prompting an intensified police operation and a R400,000 reward for information that could lead to an arrest.

Acting National Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane confirmed the latest developments on Tuesday night, saying the number of cases under investigation had been revised upwards after police identified another case that had initially not been included in the investigation.

The latest body was discovered in KwaThema on Tuesday, while another woman’s body had been found in Olifantsfontein a day earlier. Police are now examining cases stretching from Kempton Park to Olifantsfontein and KwaThema, with investigators trying to establish whether there are links between the deaths.

The police investigation began after the first body was discovered in Kempton Park in July.

According to a timeline published by Daily Maverick, a 37-year-old woman was found on 15 July near the R21. Her body was reportedly naked and restrained with cable ties. A second woman, aged 32, was found near the R21 on 24 August.

Further bodies were discovered during September, including women found near Voortrekker Road, Rhodesfield, Olifantsfontein and KwaThema. One of the victims was identified as 38-year-old Elizabeth “Tsontso” Moselakgomo, who disappeared after leaving her home for a run. Her family later positively identified her remains.

The identification process has added another layer of anguish for families of missing women.

At the KwaThema crime scene, two mothers reportedly waited anxiously as they feared the unidentified woman could be one of their missing daughters. The families were trying to establish whether their missing relatives were among the victims.

The scenes have therefore become places where families are forced to confront their worst fears, while forensic investigators work to establish the identities of the women.

Police have repeatedly cautioned against drawing conclusions that the eight cases are connected.

National police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said investigators were examining the evidence, victim profiles and behaviour of the suspected perpetrator or perpetrators before determining whether the cases involved one person, several people or potentially copycat crimes.

A multidisciplinary team has been assembled, involving specialist detectives, forensic experts, tracking resources, K9 units and investigative psychology. The Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Police has called for the investigators to be given the necessary support and space to conduct evidence-based investigations.

An announced a R400,000 reward for information that could assist police in making an arrest.

Cachalia said police would increase their presence through Operation Shanela in Kempton Park and surrounding areas, while authorities were preparing to intensify operations in the area.

The high-level response followed a meeting involving Cachalia, Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga, Deputy Police Minister Polly Boshielo, Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi and Dimpane.

Lesufi has also been at crime scenes as concern has grown among residents and women’s safety advocates.

The latest developments come as videos purporting to show women being followed, abducted or targeted in attempted kidnappings continue to circulate on social media. Police and authorities have urged the public to distinguish verified evidence from unverified material online, as investigators rely on information that can be authenticated.

The concern about abductions is also occurring against a backdrop of high kidnapping numbers nationally.

SAPS crime statistics for the first quarter of the 2026/27 financial year, covering April to June 2026, recorded 4,638 kidnapping cases nationally, an increase of 3.9% from the same period in 2025. Gauteng accounted for 2,367 cases, more than half of the national total.

Ekurhuleni, however, recorded a year-on-year decline in total kidnapping cases during the quarter, according to crime statistics analysed by The Witness. The figures showed 608 cases between April and June 2026, compared with 778 during the corresponding period in 2025. Kempton Park was an exception, recording 76 kidnapping cases compared with 48 a year earlier.

The statistics provide broader context but do not establish a connection between kidnapping trends and the eight women’s deaths.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has meanwhile directed that the killings be prioritised.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Ramaphosa said the deaths were causing fear and uncertainty, particularly among women, and said law enforcement agencies were working urgently to establish the facts, protect communities and bring those responsible to justice.

He said he had spoken to the police minister and acting national police commissioner and directed that the cases receive priority.

Ramaphosa also appealed to people with information, as well as those searching for missing relatives or friends, to come forward.

For gender-based violence activists, however, the latest deaths have renewed questions about whether enough is being done to protect women before they become victims.

Kwanele Foundation founder Sihle Sibisi said the developments were devastating and argued that women should not have to live in fear.

“As a sister, as a mother, as a woman in South Africa, this is shattering. Our women in South Africa are not safe. We cannot be living daily in fear,” Sibisi said.

She called for government to move beyond meetings and deploy more resources on the ground to address gender-based violence and femicide.

The investigation now spans nearly two months and several parts of Ekurhuleni. Police are appealing to residents, motorists, private security companies, community policing structures and businesses to preserve potentially useful CCTV, dashcam and automatic number plate recognition footage.

Portfolio Committee chairperson Ian Cameron said even seemingly insignificant information could assist investigators, including unusual vehicles, suspicious activity or people seen with any of the victims.

For families still searching for missing loved ones, the investigation is about more than statistics.

It is about identifying the women, establishing what happened to them and ensuring that those responsible are brought before the courts.

Anyone with information about the cases or a missing relative or friend can contact Warrant Officer Elvis Manyike on 082 465 7249, as requested by the Presidency.