{
  "id": 7321343,
  "title": "More than one killer? New theory emerges in Kempton Park murders",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/14/more-than-one-killer-new-theory-emerges-in-kempton-park-murders",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-14T12:49:37.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Citizen",
    "slug": "the-citizen",
    "url": "https://www.citizen.co.za/news/kempton-park-murders/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "More than one killer could be responsible for the murders of five women found near Kempton Park, according to a new theory emerging in the ongoing investigation. The latest body was discovered near the R21 on Monday, bringing the total number of victims to five. Police have confirmed that a suspect arrested in connection with the first murder in July remains in custody. Sources close to the investigation suggest police are now considering whether the deaths may have involved different perpetrators, rather than a single individual targeting women.\n\nThe commander of Kempton Park station informed a closed meeting on Monday that police do not currently believe there is sufficient evidence to conclude that a serial killer is behind the crimes. The commander stated that the cases did not share the same modus operandi, and differences between the deaths have complicated efforts to establish a common thread. It has been reported that six murders have been recorded in Kempton Park over the past two months, but at least two involved male foreign nationals and were believed to be unrelated to the deaths of women.\n\nThe investigation has prompted police to revisit earlier cases, with a multidisciplinary team of detectives and specialized policing resources ordered to intensify efforts. Acting National Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Puleng Dimpane confirmed that the team is examining each death, analyzing evidence, and seeking to establish possible links. Dimpane vowed that police would pursue whoever is responsible, stating that they would not rest until the truth is established and those responsible face the full force of the law.\n\nLocal political head Mike Waters, who attended Monday's meeting, expressed more questions than answers and called for additional policing resources in Kempton Park. He also criticized communication with residents, emphasizing the need for proper communication and visible policing to alleviate fears in the community. DA Ward 17 councillor Simon Lapping criticized police communication, suggesting that information about the killings should have been shared through community policing structures rather than through media reports. Elizabeth Tsonstso Moselakgom's family expressed relief after identifying her body, which had ended days of uncertainty after she failed to return home on September 9. The family now seeks a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death and justice for their daughter, who leaves behind a minor child.",
  "summary": "Sources allege more than one killer could be behind the deaths of five women found around Kempton Park as investigators search for links",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 4,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "IOL",
        "title": "Fear grips SA: Four women’s bodies found near Kempton Park as search continues for missing runner",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/14/fear-grips-sa-four-womens-bodies-found-near-kempton-park-as-search",
        "published": "2026-09-14T07:00:00.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "The Citizen",
        "title": "WATCH: Kempton Park residents picket after fifth body of woman found in two months",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/14/watch-kempton-park-residents-picket-after-fifth-body-of-woman-found",
        "published": "2026-09-14T08:10:25.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "SABC News",
        "title": "Police rule out serial killer theory in Kempton Park murders",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/14/police-rule-out-serial-killer-theory-in-kempton-park-murders",
        "published": "2026-09-14T09:12:30.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}