Police launch investigation after woman’s body found in Tembisa cemetery

Gauteng police have launched an investigation following the discovery of a woman's body in Mooifontein Cemetery in Thembisa on September 26. Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni confirmed that the body was found in the Vusimusi section and that the investigation was in its early stages. Mthombeni stated that the victim appeared to have been stoned based on the evidence at the scene.

The Criminal Records Centre's crime scene management team is assisting with the collection of evidence, and a post-mortem will be conducted to determine the cause of death. This is the tenth body found in the Ekurhuleni area, with 11 discovered across Gauteng in recent weeks. Mthombeni could not confirm if the latest case is linked to other victims.

The police are employing a two-pronged approach to the investigation, focusing on both the investigation itself and deploying additional resources. Major General Kumalo, responsible for crime detection, and Major General Lekalakala, in charge of crime intelligence, are leading the investigation. A R400,000 reward has been offered for information that could assist with the investigation.

Specialists, including an investigative psychologist, have been brought into the case to analyze evidence and understand the behavior of alleged perpetrators. Police have also resolved two cases in Dawn Park, with two individuals appearing in court. The investigation remains in its initial stages, and the police are hopeful of resolving more cases soon.

This response to the gender-based violence crisis in Gauteng comes after Premier Panyaza Lesufi called for a lockdown under the Disaster Management Act of 2002, as gender-based violence is classified as a national disaster.