Law & Justice
Police Form Multidisciplinary Team to Investigate Eight Ekurhuleni Women Murders
By Today News Hours Editorial Desk
Acting Police Minister Professor Firoz Cachalia announced that a high‑level, multidisciplinary team is ready to investigate the recent murders of eight women in Ekurhuleni, Gauteng. The team, which includes the Minister of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Sindisiwe Chikunga, Social Development Minister Dina Pule, Deputy Minister of Police Dr Polly Boshielo, Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi and Acting National Commissioner Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane, was briefed by Cachalia and his colleagues on Tuesday evening.
Police discovered the bodies of four women in the same area over about two months. Two additional bodies were found in different parts of Ekurhuleni on Monday, 14 September 2026, and Tuesday, 15 September 2026, with an eighth body announced later that evening. To increase visibility, police will expand Operation Shanela in Kempton Park and surrounding areas, and will lock down the area in the coming weeks. A reward of R400,000 is offered for information leading to the arrest of any perpetrator.
Cachalia described the discoveries as “deeply distressing” and highlighted the need for community cooperation. He urged community policing forums, patrollers, church leaders and community organisations to support the police. “We need committed law enforcement, visible policing, expert investigation and the support of our people to bring some measure of consolation,” he said.
President Cyril Ramaphosa directed that the investigations be prioritised and that no stone be left unturned. He called on citizens to provide information and to contact Warrant Officer Elvis Manyike at 082 465 7249 if they have any leads or are missing a relative or friend.
The eight victims include 38‑year‑old Elizabeth “Tsontso” Moselakgomo, whose body was identified by her family on Monday after she disappeared while going for a run. The President and ministers have declared the situation a national crisis and are working to address the high rates of violence against women in South Africa.