Ekurhuleni murders: DA offers 500k reward as criminologist says killings fit serial killer pattern

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has offered a R500,000 reward in the hunt for suspects behind a series of brutal murders in Ekurhuleni, South Africa. The South African Police Service (SAPS) has added a R400,000 reward to the mix and brought in a specialized team to crack the case. Over two months, eight women's bodies have been discovered across the East Rand and in Tshwane – six of them this month alone.

Criminologist Pixie du Toit has pointed to a serial killer pattern, defying the police's reluctance to label it as such. According to her, the killings fit the criteria of three murders committed within a short time frame in the same area, using a similar method. Du Toit, a criminology Ph.D. graduate from the U.S., said a serial killer operates more consistently, which is not the case here.

She suspects the killer may not reside in Kempton Park, the area near where most of the murders occurred, and questions the weapon used, as firearms would likely trigger alarms. Residents of Kempton Park have expressed growing fear in the aftermath of the killings. A candlelit march was held in honor of Elizabeth "Tsontso" Moselakgomo, whose body was found on Saturday. Residents are now vigilant, walking together in groups to deter would-be attackers.