PIETERMARITZBURG – Acting Police Minister Professor Firoz Cachalia has moved to quell public anxiety surrounding the string of recent female murders in Ekurhuleni, confirming that investigators have made “significant progress” in the cases.
Speaking at a gender-based violence (GBV) meeting hosted by Love to Live and the Peace and Development Committee on Thursday night, Cachalia addressed growing public speculation that a serial killer might be operating in the region. He stated firmly that current evidence suggests the murders are not the work of a single individual, but rather a series of disconnected, distinct incidents.
“I choose my words carefully,” Cachalia told the gathering. “So far, the evidence suggests that some of these are distinct, separate cases. They appear to involve intimate relationships—boyfriends, spouses.”
The discovery of multiple bodies across Ekurhuleni over the past few weeks has sparked widespread fear and prompted intense public debate. While police have cautioned against premature conclusions, the rising body count—which has reached 11—led many to fear that a predator was stalking the area.
However, investigators now believe that Ekurhuleni has been used primarily as a dumping ground rather than the scene of the crimes. Cachalia revealed that, based on current intelligence, many of the victims were likely murdered elsewhere before their remains were transported to locations in and around Kempton Park and Tembisa.
“It seems that some of these murders did not take place in Ekurhuleni. Some of these women were murdered elsewhere,” the Minister explained.
While he declined to disclose specific details that could compromise ongoing judicial processes, Cachalia expressed strong confidence that the methodical collection of evidence would yield results.
“I can report with a high level of confidence that significant progress has been made in most of the cases and that this will lead to arrests and convictions,” he said. “Evidence is being collected systematically, and we are confident that the perpetrators will be brought to justice.”
Beyond the immediate criminal investigations, the Minister emphasized that the broader implications of these murders demand a national reckoning. He noted that once the full, tragic picture of these crimes emerges, the country must be prepared for a difficult,, and necessary conversation about the roots of gender-based violence.
“When the full picture emerges, we will need to have a deep conversation about violence of this kind, the many factors driving it, and the reasons for the levels of violence in our society,” he said.
As investigators continue their work, the Minister’s assurances serve as a critical update for a community on edge. Police remain focused on pursuing individual suspects in the various cases, aiming to provide families with the closure they seek while addressing the systemic issues that continue to fuel violence against women.
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