‘Kempton Park serial killer’ on the loose in Potchefstroom? SAPS debunks viral alert

The Ahmed Kathrada Foundation has strongly condemned a series of brutal murders of women in Kempton Park and Olifantsfontein, urging the South African government to take immediate action against the gender-based violence and femicide crisis. Over the past two months, the bodies of six women have been discovered, including Elizabeth "Tsontso" Moselakgomo, whose remains were found behind a hotel in Rhodesfield on September 12.

Two days later, another unidentified woman was discovered with injuries on the roadside in Olifantsfontein. The tally of tragic discoveries now stands at eight in two months, prompting police to offer a R400,000 reward and deploy a high-level investigative team. Acting Police Minister Feroz Cachalia expressed deep concern, stating that the deaths highlight the nation's failure to protect women, emphasizing that no woman should feel unsafe while going about their daily lives.

Foundation Executive Director Neeshan Balton highlighted the systemic failures in safeguarding women, stressing that the state and law enforcement must take responsibility for ensuring safety, rather than burdening women with modifying their basic freedoms. Balton underscored that gender-based violence and femicide represent a national crisis, demanding decisive intervention and accountability from all sectors, including the police, courts, and communities.

The foundation outlined four demands: comprehensive investigations, enhanced crime-fighting infrastructure, institutional accountability, and societal intervention to combat misogyny and violence. The foundation reaffirmed solidarity with civil society movements, demanding transparent, independent, and swift justice for the victims and safety for women across South Africa.