Police have announced a reward of R400 000 for information that could help investigators arrest those responsible for a series of murders in Ekurhuleni.
The reward was revealed during a media briefing attended by Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia, Minister of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Sindisiwe Chikunga, Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi, Acting National Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane and Deputy Minister of Police Dr Polly Boshielo. The briefing focused on efforts to track down those behind the killings.
Authorities are appealing to the public to assist with information that may lead to breakthroughs in the cases. Police believe community cooperation could play an important role in identifying and apprehending the perpetrators.
The murders have raised serious concern after the bodies of eight women were discovered in Ekurhuleni over a period of less than two months. Despite the discoveries, only two of the victims have so far been positively identified.
Police have cautioned against assuming that all the murders are connected, saying investigations are still underway to determine whether there is a link between the cases. Investigators continue to examine evidence before drawing any conclusions.
Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane confirmed that the latest victim was found near the Clayville River opposite Thembisa Mall. She said police are continuing their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death and are working to establish all the facts.
Law enforcement agencies have urged anyone with information that could assist the investigation to come forward. The reward remains available for information that leads to arrests in the Ekurhuleni murder cases.
The police hope that the reward will encourage witnesses and community members to assist in bringing those responsible for the killings to justice.
