The South African Police Service (SAPS) has urged women across the country to be cautious after the body of missing runner Elizabeth “Tsontso” Moselakgomo was found in Kempton Park, amid concerns over a suspected pattern of serial killings.

Reports noted that Ms Moselakgomo had gone on a jog in the city in the afternoon of September 9 when she disappeared, prompting a search operation before the police announced on Monday that her body had been identified.

ENCA News reported that Ms Moselakgomo’s uncle, Andreas Moraka Matlaila, said she was reported missing after her eight-year-old child, who was familiar with her mother’s routine, alerted the family that she was nowhere to be found.

The Peoples Gazette gathered that Ms Moselakgomo was one of the six women whose bodies were found in and around the vicinity of Kempton Park, especially the Rhodesfield area in the past two months, sparking nationwide concerns and fear in South Africa.

Some of the cases included the first discovery of a 37-year-old woman whose body was found naked and restrained with cable ties on July 15, the remains of a 32-year-old woman located partially clothed on August 24 and another unidentified naked, decomposed body on September 10.

There was also the remains of a yet-to-be identified woman discovered on Monday, with the crime scenes located in the same city. The latest victim’s body was discovered on Tuesday at Ekurhuleni, Kwa-Thema, Olifantsfontein, 45 kilometres from Kempton Park. The body was said to be in a naked state of decomposition when it was discovered by the police.

Addressing the media about the recent cases, which have sparked protests across South Africa, Acting Gauteng Police Commissioner Fred Kekana urged women to take additional precautions when walking or exercising outdoors.

He stated that the police had formed a task team to investigate the killings. The police also noted that the victims were sexually abused.

“Even with the circumstances surrounding these cases, we are also urging women and young girls to take additional precautions when exercising, when walking, or running alone. When possible, walk and exercise in groups. Avoid isolated areas and where possible, exercise in areas that are populated or well lit,” Mr Kekana said. 

He added, “Keep your cell phones with you and remain aware of your surroundings. This is not about restricting the freedom of women to move, exercise or live their lives, it is about taking reasonable precautions while the police continue with this investigation.

“The number of bodies discovered in the area is a serious concern to the South African Police Service. We are on the ground, we are investigating, and we have mobilised resources. We are following the evidence and we will pursue those responsible.”

Speaking further, the police commissioner stressed that domestic violence against women and children is a serious crime in South Africa, vowing that the SAPS would continue to handle it with urgency. 

“Domestic violence remains a priority crime and the SAPS will continue to pursue perpetrators of violence against women and children and in the seriousness that this crime demands,” Mr Kekana added. 

Presidential Cyril Ramaphosa, urged the police to solve the murder of the women.

News outlet Sandton Chronicle stated that preliminary findings showed concerning similarities between the cases, with the bodies bruised and half naked in close proximity but police were still investigating whether the killings were connected. 

The case has caused outrage on social media, with netizens raising concerns about the safety of women in South Africa. 

“South Africa is becoming a continuous crime scene for women. Five bodies in one vicinity is not a coincidence, it’s an emergency. The police need to step up before another family is shattered. Enough is enough,” Instagram user @michaelmantchev01 said.

Another user @zinzi_jim commented, “My brain never understands these things. If there’s a serial killer on the loose surely having Kempton Park and its parks on surveillance would make sense. Especially because serial killers love to visit their dumping sites. Why are we finding new bodies???”

In her comment, @prunella_thusi suggested that South African women should be mandated to have guns to protect themselves. 

“Being a woman in South Africa should come with mandatory gun license training between ages 10-17, and a 50% discount on all arms throughout their existence. Pepper sprays etc should also be mandatorily available in ALL gas stations, retails stores and bottle stores,” she added.