‘They’ve declared war,’ Lesufi says state will respond to Ekurhuleni murders as ninth body found [VIDEO]

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi declared that the state would respond fiercely to the recent series of violent murders of women, warning those responsible to expect "an uncompromising response." Lesufi addressed the media at the scene where the ninth victim's body was found in Dawn Park, Ekurhuleni. The semi-naked woman’s body was discovered on the roadside, wrapped in a sheet, but her identity and cause of death remained unconfirmed by police.

Five women died in Kempton Park, two in Olifantsfontein, one in Kwathema, and now one in Dawn Park. Police have offered a generous R400,000 reward for information leading to the resolution of the murders and suspect apprehension, and have placed Kempton Park under lockdown through Operation Shanela. The Democratic Alliance has added a R500,000 reward for information resulting in a criminal prosecution of the murderer/s.

Lesufi stated that intensified lockdown operations commenced at 6am, and suspects were already fleeing targeted areas. He reiterated that investigators are closing in on suspects connected to multiple cases, and South Africans must exercise patience. The Premier refuted claims of a slow response, asserting that the state will act based on evidence.

He stressed that law enforcement must be given space to handle the situation, and those who have "declared war against the state" must understand that the state will "push back." Lesufi praised the nation's cyber‑tracking, surveillance footage, and intelligence networks, highlighting the police's relentless efforts. As police continue their investigations, at least three victims have been identified, including 38-year-old Dineo Evelyn Motapane whose body was found on the side of the road in KwaThema, Springs.