Police have offered a R400,000 reward for information that could lead to the arrest of those responsible for the deaths of eight women whose bodies have been discovered across Ekurhuleni since July.
Also see: Police intensify investigation after 5th woman’s body found near Kempton Park
IOL reported that the reward was announced by Acting National Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Puleng Dimpane during a media briefing on Tuesday night as investigators intensified efforts to establish what happened to the women and whether the cases are connected.
8 Women found dead
The bodies were discovered in several areas, including Kempton Park, Clayville, Olifantsfontein, Rhodesfield and Kwa-Thema between July and September. Police are investigating the cases collectively while working to establish whether there is a link between them.
The latest discovery was that of a 35-year-old woman in Kwa-Thema on 15 September 2026. Her identity had initially not been established.
According to the above publication, police have since confirmed that Dineo Evelyn Motapane, 38, was positively identified by her family after her body was found in Kwa-Thema. She was reportedly last seen alive on Sunday.
Police have identified the body that was found in Kwa Thema yesterday.
38-year-old Dineo Evelyn Motapane body was discovered on the side of the road.
The family has positively identified her body at the Springs Mortuary this afternoon.
According to the family, Ms Motapane… pic.twitter.com/MT6UPHfRm2
— Heidi Giokos (@HeidiGiokos) September 16, 2026
Another victim, Elizabeth ‘Tsontso’ Moselakgomo, 38, was identified after she went missing following a run in Kempton Park.
Rest in Peace Elizabeth Tsontso Moselakgomo 💔💔💔
We were hoping for positive news but it was not meant to be.
It took your life for the plight of other women in KemptonPark to be known.
As we often say in the running spaces, ‘iRunner liyanyamezela’ but you couldn’t hold on… pic.twitter.com/qXuBbaWb72
— Tumi Sole (@tumisole) September 14, 2026
Also see: Sixth woman’s body found in Ekurhuleni as police probe deaths
Specialised team investigating
A specialised team of investigators has been established to probe the deaths, with support from crime intelligence and other specialists. Police say investigators have been working on the cases since the first incident was reported in July.
One suspect has already been arrested in connection with the first body discovered in July, while police have also confirmed that they are pursuing a person of interest. Authorities have not disclosed the person’s identity or confirmed which of the eight cases they may be connected to, EWN reported.
Police have stressed that they have not confirmed that all eight deaths are connected, saying investigators are examining the evidence and circumstances surrounding each case.
Police appeal for information
Puleng has appealed to members of the public to come forward with information that could assist investigators.
Police are also urging families whose relatives are missing in the area to contact authorities, particularly as some of the victims have yet to be formally identified.
The R400,000 reward is intended to encourage people with potentially significant information to assist investigators in identifying and arresting those responsible.
Meanwhile, authorities have warned against spreading unverified claims and speculation on social media, particularly claims about a suspected serial killer or individuals allegedly linked to the deaths.
The investigation remains ongoing as police work to identify the remaining victims, establish whether the cases are connected and determine who is responsible.
Also see: Seventh woman found dead in East Rand amid growing murder probe
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