Gauteng police have recovered nine bodies linked to the Kempton Park killings across Ekurhuleni and surrounding areas, following the discovery of a ninth victim dumped in an open veld alongside Northern Road in Dawn Park, Boksburg, on Thursday morning, according to law enforcement officials.
Authorities confirmed that at least four of the nine known victims have been positively identified by family members. The grim sequence of discoveries began two months ago in July, when the first body was found in Pomona, Kempton Park. According to police statements, subsequent discoveries occurred along the R21 highway, in Rhodesfield, Olifantsfontein, Clayville, and KwaThema in Springs, stretching across a geographical footprint where driving distances between locations span roughly 40 to 45 kilometers.
Investigation and Intelligence Operations
Deputy National Police Commissioner for policing, Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili, stated that authorities engaged the Director-General of the State Security Agency to assist with the intelligence component of the investigation. Intelligence operations are continuing across multiple areas, including Dawn Park and Kempton Park. Meanwhile, Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia and Acting National Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Puleng Dimpane confirmed the scale of the crisis, prompting the appointment of Gauteng Deputy Provincial Commissioner Major-General Mbuso Khumalo to lead a dedicated task team.
Did You Know? The first body in the Kempton Park killings was discovered on July 15, 2026, in an open veld near the R21 highway, leading police to arrest a suspect two days later who has remained in custody since.
Victim Identification and Community Impact
Among the positively identified victims is Elizabeth Moselakgomo, a 38-year-old runner whose disappearance last week sparked a frantic public search after she failed to return home from a run, leaving her 8-year-old daughter behind. Another recently identified victim is 28-year-old Gracious Nkomo, a Zimbabwe-born woman who had been missing for several weeks, while 32-year-old Itumeleng Kekana and Dineo Evelyn Motapane were also identified among the deceased. The discoveries have deeply affected local communities, with Tembisa community leader Khayanga Setlatjile-KaLanga expressing shock at the brutality and violence directed against women.
Next Steps in the Investigation
Law enforcement agencies indicate that intelligence operations and specialized unit deployments will guide future operational decisions, including potential checks to be conducted at correctional facilities. Police have urged women in the Kempton Park area to avoid walking or running alone, remain vigilant, and travel in groups where possible, while nationwide protest runs and candlelit walks take place in honor of the victims.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many bodies have been discovered in connection with the Kempton Park killings?
Gauteng police have discovered nine bodies linked to the killings across Ekurhuleni and surrounding areas, with the latest body found in Dawn Park, Boksburg.
Where was the first body found?
The first body was discovered by police in mid-July in an open veld near the R21 highway in Pomona, Kempton Park.
Who is leading the police investigation?
Gauteng Deputy Provincial Commissioner Major-General Mbuso Khumalo has been appointed to lead the task team investigation, which includes detectives from specialized units such as the Murder and Robbery Unit and the Investigative Psychology Unit.
How will these ongoing investigations impact community safety measures across the East Rand region?
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