Johannesburg – The family of 38-year-old Dineo Evelyn Motapane has positively identified her body after she was found dead on the side of the road in KwaThema, Springs, bringing the number of women whose murders are being investigated by police to eight.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) said Motapane’s body was identified at the Springs Mortuary on Wednesday afternoon.
According to her family, Motapane was last seen alive on Sunday. Police said she had not yet been reported missing when her body was discovered.
The Acting National Commissioner of SAPS, Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane, has expressed her condolences to the Motapane family.
“Lieutenant General Dimpane has expressed her deepest condolences to the Motapane family during this difficult time,” SAPS said in a statement.
The latest case comes as police intensify investigations into the murders of eight women in the area.
Dimpane assured the family and the wider community that police remained on the ground and were stepping up efforts to establish what happened to the victims and identify those responsible.
“She has further assured the family and the community that police remain firmly on the ground, with investigations into the murders of the eight women being intensified,” SAPS said.
A multidisciplinary team comprising investigators and specialists is working on the cases.
“A multidisciplinary team of investigators and specialists continues to work around the clock to establish the circumstances surrounding each case, identify those responsible, and ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice,” the police said.
SAPS did not provide further details about the circumstances surrounding Motapane’s death or say whether the cases involving the eight women are linked.
Police investigations are continuing.
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Picture: Facebook / SAPS
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
