Police are offering a R400,000 reward for information that could lead to arrests after confirming that eight women’s bodies have been found in Ekurhuleni.
According to EWN, senior police officials briefed the media on Tuesday night, 15 September, following discoveries that have sparked public outrage.
The reward forms part of a response that includes a specialist investigation team and increased police visibility, eNCA reported.
Special team investigates deaths
Government news service SAnews reported that a high-level team drawing on different areas of expertise has been established to investigate the deaths.
Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia said SAPS had the experience needed to handle the cases. He said the government would support the investigation until families received answers.
SABC News reported that police had not confirmed the cases were linked. Investigators must establish whether there are connections between the deaths.
The broadcaster reported that the bodies were found in less than two months. Only two of the women had been identified by Wednesday morning.
More police in Kempton Park
According to eNCA, police will increase their presence in Kempton Park and surrounding areas through Operation Shanela.
Cachalia said law enforcement resources would be mobilised alongside communities. The measures were announced after a meeting between senior police and government officials.
Acting National Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Puleng Dimpane, Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi and Deputy Police Minister Polly Boshielo were among those at the briefing, eNCA reported.
Public urged to share information
Cachalia urged residents to help police rather than wait for a financial incentive, according to SAnews.
He also appealed to community policing forums, patrollers, church leaders and community organisations to support law enforcement.
“Rumour, wild speculation on social media platforms and in other places is not going to help,” he said.
People with information about the incidents, or who are missing a relative or friend, can contact Warrant Officer Elvis Manyike on 082 465 7249, according to an appeal published by SAnews.