Johannesburg – SAPS says it is too early to conclude that a serial killer is operating in the Kempton Park area after the body of a fifth woman was discovered in Olifantsfontein on Monday morning.
The latest discovery has intensified concerns over a possible link between the deaths of five women whose bodies have been found in and around Kempton Park since July.
National police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe told IOL that while investigators had identified similarities in some of the cases, police were not yet in a position to classify the deaths as the work of a serial killer.
“We are simply not there yet. We are relying on experts to advise accordingly,” Mathe said.
She said police would rely on their investigative psychology and behavioural experts to establish victim profiles and determine whether the cases were connected.
The unidentified woman was found in Olifantsfontein on Monday morning, with police saying forensic experts were processing the scene for evidence.
Mathe said the latest victim was found partially clothed, adding to concerns over similarities with some of the earlier cases.
GRAPHIC CONTENT | A fifth body has been discovered in Olifantsfontein, Ekurhuleni, as investigations continue into the spate of murders in the area. SABC News reporter Calvin Dludla has the latest. pic.twitter.com/tfYYRhrnp7
— SABC News (@SABCNews) September 14, 2026
“We do have the experts on the scene. We do have a dedicated team,” she said.
The police spokesperson said a multidisciplinary team had been established to investigate the deaths, involving investigative psychologists, criminologists and other specialists.
Police are now focusing on determining whether the latest discovery is linked to the other cases.
“We are hoping that in no time they will be able to piece together the puzzle of what is actually happening here,” Mathe said.
The first victim, a 37-year-old woman, was found near the R21 on 15 July. She was naked and had been restrained with cable ties.
Police have since confirmed that a suspect was arrested on 17 July in connection with that case, while investigations continue.
A second woman, aged 32, was found near the R21 on 24 August. She was partially clothed.
The third victim was found on 10 September. She remained unidentified at the time, with her body in an advanced state of decomposition.
A fourth woman, aged 38, was found in Rhodesfield on 12 September, behind a hotel. She was wearing sports clothing and was partially clothed. Her identity is still subject to formal confirmation.
The deaths have prompted growing concern in the area, with police previously warning women in and around Rhodesfield to exercise extreme caution.investigators had identified concerning similarities between the cases, including the locations and condition in which some of the bodies were found.
The latest discovery has also prompted police to step up efforts to determine whether the cases are connected.
eNCA reported that SAPS had assembled a dedicated multidisciplinary team following the discovery of the fifth body.
Mathe said investigators would not rush to conclusions and would instead rely on evidence gathered from the different crime scenes.
“Our men and women in blue that are assigned to this particular team, they are quite seasoned. They won’t be rushing any investigation,” she said.
“We will be relying on a very thorough, professional and evidence-driven investigation.”
For now, SAPS has not confirmed that the five deaths are linked or that a serial killer is responsible.
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Compiled by Glaan Sibuyi
