The South African Police Service (SAPS) has issued an urgent safety warning to women in and around Kempton Park, specifically in the Rhodesfield area, following the discovery of five women's bodies over a period of about two months.

Preliminary evidence gathered by the SAPS has revealed “deeply concerning similarities” across all five crime scenes.

The bodies of the women were discovered half-naked with visible bruising, and all were dumped within the same immediate vicinity.

While SAPS has stopped short of officially declaring the presence of a serial killer, authorities admit the striking similarities are sufficiently alarming to warrant immediate public mobilisation and an intensified criminal investigation.

In response, acting National Commissioner of the SAPS Lieutenant-General Puleng Dimpane, has ordered the immediate establishment of a dedicated multidisciplinary task team.

The specialised unit will be led by Gauteng Deputy Provincial Commissioner Major-General Mbuso Khumalo, who has been ordered to ensure that "no stone is left unturned".

The task team will pull resources from elite divisions, including the murder and robbery unit, the investigative psychology unit (SAPS serial killer experts) and localised intelligence and forensic disciplines.

"The safety of women remains a priority for SAPS, and the police will not wait for further incidents before taking decisive action," the police statement read, assuring the community that maximum resources are being deployed to bring those responsible to justice.

The SAPS has strongly urged women in Kempton Park, Rhodesfield, and surrounding suburbs to alter their daily routines to mitigate risks.

The police are making an urgent appeal to residents, motorists, security personnel, and commuters who frequent the Rhodesfield area. Anyone who may have noticed suspicious vehicles, individuals, or unusual activity over the past two months is urged to come forward.

DEMAND OF ACCOUNTABILITY

The gruesome crime scenes have sparked widespread political outrage and renewed calls for government accountability regarding South Africa's rampant gender-based violence crisis.

DA Ekurhuleni mayoral candidate Khathutshelo Rasilingwane announced that her party will pressure the City of Ekurhuleni to conduct immediate safety risk assessments in the affected zones.

“We cannot allow fear to become part of everyday life for women in Ekurhuleni. Every woman deserves to return home safely to her family,” Rasilingwane said.

RISE Mzansi National Assembly Whip Makashule Gana expressed “profound shock” at the killings, urging SAPS and government stakeholders to maintain total transparency with the public as the investigation unfolds.

Gana underscored the systemic nature of the violence, noting that South Africa’s femicide rate is roughly five to six times higher than the global average, claiming the lives of approximately 4 000 women every year.

“All hands-on deck, not just policing, are required to end gender-based violence and femicide,” Gana stated.