The reward for information in the investigation into the deaths of eight women in Ekurhuleni will remain at R400 000 after the South African Police Service rejected a separate R500 000 offer from the Democratic Alliance (DA).
Also see: Cyril Ramaphosa’s Kempton Park serial killings address sparks outrage
Reward stays at R400,000
Crime Connect reported that SAPS has ruled out combining the party’s proposed contribution with the state’s official reward, meaning the previously suggested R900 000 total will not apply.
Deputy National Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili said the R400 000 reward announced by Acting National Commissioner Puleng Dimpane would proceed through SAPS’s established reward process.
The DA had offered to add R500 000 to the police reward, potentially taking the total amount available for information to R900 000.
The party said the additional reward was intended to encourage people with information to come forward as investigators continue working to establish what happened to the women.
Why SAPS rejected DA’s reward offer
Mosikili said police could not combine the DA’s funds with the state reward and indicated that SAPS must follow its established procedures when offering rewards.
He also added that police could not become involved in political matters, separating the official SAPS reward from the DA’s proposed contribution.
The development changes the position reported earlier, when the DA’s offer had raised the possibility of a combined R900 000 reward for information.
Police announced a R400 000 reward on Tuesday, 15 September, as investigators intensified efforts to establish what happened to the women whose bodies were discovered across parts of Ekurhuleni.
The police response includes a high-level multidisciplinary team bringing together specialist investigators and other resources. Authorities have also announced increased visibility through Operation Shanela in Kempton Park and surrounding areas.
Also see: Sol Phenduka apologises after jokes spark backlash during Tsontso Moselakgomo missing report
Investigations continue
Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia said police would “massively expand” visibility, while warning that investigators have yet to establish whether the deaths are connected.
The number of cases rose to eight after another body was discovered in the wider Ekurhuleni area. Police have urged anyone with information, as well as families searching for missing relatives, to use official channels.
The DA said its proposed contribution was intended to encourage people with useful information to come forward.
“The DA is adding an extra reason for all relevant information to be handed over now, to address this crisis quickly. Ekurhuleni cannot wait. Women cannot wait. Justice cannot wait,” the party said, according to eNCA’s report.
Originally published by Cape{town}etc.
Also see: Somizi reacts to proposed Kempton Park lockdown amidst investigation
Be the first to know – Join our WhatsApp channel for content worth tapping into. Click here to join!
