Ekurhuleni Horror: Police Warn of Fake Identikits, Reward Offered as Murders Grip Nation
Ekurhuleni is grappling with the discovery of nine women's bodies, sparking an intense investigation and public outcry. While a psychic claims multiple perpetrators, police are urging evidence-based reporting and warning against circulating fake suspect images, as two separate rewards are offered for information.
The Ekurhuleni region has been gripped by fear and concern following the discovery of the bodies of nine women in recent weeks, prompting a multi-faceted response from psychic mediums, investigative experts, law enforcement, and political parties. The deaths have fueled claims of a serial killer, intensifying an investigation that has garnered significant public attention.
US psychic medium Kandis Starr weighed in on the unfolding tragedy, claiming to have conducted a spirit reading revealing "more than one" perpetrator. Starr described the crimes as a "war against women" and stated that the victims, found partially clothed and sexually assaulted, "deserved a voice." During her reading, she claimed to see two individuals, suggesting one felt powerful and entitled, while the other was scared and nervous, both gaining confidence with each crime. Starr alluded to one perpetrator possibly being an e-hailing driver who "drives for a living" and specifically targets these areas, while the other held a position of authority. She characterized both as "psychopaths" who "hate women" and are "sick in their heads."
In stark contrast to spiritual insights, investigative experts are relying on concrete evidence to solve the case. While similarities in geographical proximity, timeframe, and victims' profiles suggest a possible serial killer, experts emphasize the crucial need to establish a definitive connection between the individual murders. Former SAPS investigator and criminal profiler Elmarie Myburgh highlighted the necessity for police to meticulously compare crime scenes, victim information, and forensic evidence, as well as analyze any differences in the methods of killings.
Amidst the escalating investigation, the South African Police Service (SAPS) issued a stern warning against the circulation of fake suspect images online. National police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe emphasized that SAPS has not released any identikit, wanted poster, or photograph of a suspect, and unverified images could dangerously target innocent individuals. The public is urged to rely solely on official SAPS communication channels for accurate information regarding the investigation.
Adding another layer to the complex situation, both SAPS and the Democratic Alliance (DA) have offered rewards for information. SAPS has a standing R400,000 reward for information assisting investigators. The DA, however, announced a separate R500,000 reward for information leading to successful prosecution. Deputy National Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Tebello Mosikili rejected the DA's offer, stating that law-enforcement agencies have established processes for rewards that cannot simply incorporate external initiatives. Mosikili suggested that political parties should rather collaborate with state and law-enforcement agencies on such critical matters, expressing unfamiliarity with political parties offering rewards in this manner.
The DA also launched a petition titled "Action, Not Advice," calling for urgent police action following the discoveries. DA Ekurhuleni mayoral candidate Khathutshelo Rasilingwane initiated the petition, rejecting police advice for women to take greater responsibility for their own safety. The petition demands better police resources, the clearance of the DNA evidence backlog, and the publication of reliable gender-based violence and femicide statistics. It also urged Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia to take urgent action. While SAPS has not officially confirmed a link between all nine deaths, the similarities have prompted a specialized multidisciplinary team to investigate. Among the identified victims are 28-year-old Gracious Nkomo and 38-year-old Elizabeth "Tsontso" Moselakgomo, whose death in Rhodesfield, Kempton Park, prompted widespread concern and memorial events. The latest discovery of a woman's body in Dawn Park brought the total to nine, intensifying calls for authorities to identify those responsible.