The South African Police Service has vowed to intensify investigations into the deaths of five women whose bodies have been discovered in the Kempton Park area over the past two months.

Acting National Commissioner Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane said police would leave no stone unturned to identify and arrest those responsible for the deaths.

The latest development came on Monday following the discovery of a fifth body in Gauteng, while investigators continued working to establish whether there are links between the cases.

Dimpane also expressed condolences to the family of 38-year-old Elizabeth “Tsontso” Moselakgomo, whose body was positively identified by her family at the Germiston mortuary on Monday.

“We extend our deepest sympathies to the family and loved ones of Elizabeth during this extremely painful time,” Dimpane said.

She said the circumstances surrounding Moselakgomo’s death would be investigated and that police would pursue those responsible.

“The loss of a loved one under such circumstances is devastating, and we assure the family that the SAPS will do everything within its powers to establish exactly what happened to Elizabeth and to ensure that those responsible are held accountable,” she said.

Dimpane has directed a multidisciplinary team involving detectives and specialised policing resources to intensify the investigation.

According to SAPS, investigators are working to establish the circumstances surrounding each death, analyse available evidence, identify possible links between the cases and follow all leads that could help solve the murders.

“We will not rest until we have established the truth. Where there is evidence linking individuals to these crimes, we will pursue them relentlessly and ensure that they face the full might of the law,” Dimpane said.

Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe has meanwhile urged women who walk, exercise or jog to take precautions while investigations continue.

Mathe advised women to exercise in groups as police probe the deaths of the five women in the Kempton Park area.

SAPS has confirmed that one suspect has been arrested in connection with the discovery of the first body in July. The suspect remains in custody.

The police have not indicated whether the arrested suspect is linked to the other four deaths, and investigations into the cases are continuing.

The deaths have also prompted calls for greater transparency from political organisation RISE Mzansi.

National Assembly Whip Makashule Gana said the organisation was shocked by the deaths and extended condolences to the families of the five women.

“The unexplained killing of one woman is one too many; the unexplained death of five women over two months calls for all hands on deck,” Gana said.

RISE Mzansi said the deaths had increased anxiety and fear among women and communities, and called on SAPS and other law enforcement agencies to keep the public informed about the progress of the investigations.

Gana also urged people with information to come forward.

“Someone saw something; someone heard something that could aid in bringing the suspect or suspects to book,” he said.

RISE Mzansi further raised concerns about the broader problem of gender-based violence and femicide in South Africa, saying the country’s rate of femicide remained significantly higher than the global rate.

The organisation called for SAPS to approach the investigation with urgency and care while ensuring that information about the cases is communicated transparently.

For now, police are continuing to investigate the five deaths and establish whether any connections exist between them.

The SAPS has urged anyone with information that could assist investigators to come forward as the multidisciplinary team works to identify those responsible.