Copycat killings? Expert warns amid East Rand women's deaths

Copycat killings? Expert warns amid East Rand women's deaths bombeleni_temp Mon, 09/14/2026 - 12:50

JOHANNESBURG - Copycat perpetrators could be drawn to the attention surrounding the recent deaths of women in the East Rand and seek to emulate what they see, security strategist Andy Mashaile warns.

Mashaile says while it is too early to speculate, certain aspects of the deaths in Ekurhuleni stand out.

**READ: **Task team formed to investigate Kempton Park women's deaths

A fifth woman’s body was found partially clothed in Olifantsfontein on Monday, about 25km from where the bodies of four other women were discovered over a two-month period.

The first victim, a 37-year-old woman, was found on 15 July. A second woman, aged 32, was discovered on 24 August, while a third woman was found on 10 September.

**READ: **Fifth woman's body discovered near Kempton Park

On Saturday, the body of an unidentified woman wearing running clothes was discovered in the same area.

Police have not confirmed whether the body is that of missing runner Elizabeth “Tsontso” Moselakgomo.

Her family is expected to visit the Germiston Mortuary on Monday to identify the body.

Police say a suspect, who was the first victim’s boyfriend, was arrested in connection with her death.

Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe says authorities are not ruling out the possibility of a serial killer, but are also investigating whether different perpetrators could be responsible for the deaths in the East Rand.

“We are quite concerned, that is why without hesitation we established a dedicated team,” Mathe said.

**READ: **'One death is too many' | Kempton Park running community demands action

Experienced detectives have been assigned to investigate the cases that have alarmed the Kempton Park community. Mathe says the team will not be rushed and that investigators will take the necessary time to conduct a thorough investigation.

The second, third and fourth bodies were discovered in areas characterised by bushes and tall, uncut grass.

Mashaile says the condition of these areas creates challenges for both police and municipalities.

**READ: **Kempton Park residents, runners demand action over women's safety

“Municipalities must ensure that pedestrians can walk through places of work and school through those areas where danger can be seen from a distance,” he said.

“Any person waiting in ambush can be identified,” Mashaile added.

Mashaile says it is unfortunate that the areas where the women were found were not properly maintained.

He is calling on municipalities to work with law enforcement and communities to make public spaces safer.