Ekurhuleni Murders: Police Probe Suspect’s Nationality As Possible Links Emerge

Police are working to establish the nationality of the only suspect currently in custody in connection with the deaths of women across Ekurhuleni.

Deputy National Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Tebello Mosikili said investigators had received information suggesting the man may not be South African, but stressed that his nationality has not yet been confirmed.

The development comes as police investigate nine women’s deaths across the East Rand since July, with investigators now confirming that some of the cases may be linked.

Ekurhuleni Murder Suspect’s Nationality Still Unconfirmed

Mosikili said investigators were using biometric information and other records to establish the suspect’s identity and background.

“We cannot say yes, it’s a non-South African, but we have been informed that it is a non- South African, but from which country?”

Police are working with the Department of Home Affairs to access information that could help verify the man’s identity and nationality. Investigators are also checking fingerprint records held by police and correctional services as they attempt to establish his background.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Eighth Woman Found Dead In Gauteng As Police Probe Possible Links

The suspect is linked to one of the murders under investigation and remains the only person in custody at this stage.

Police Confirm Possible Links Between Some Cases

For the first time, police have confirmed on record that investigators have identified possible links between some of the women’s deaths.

However, authorities have cautioned that the investigation is still developing and that more forensic and investigative work is required before those connections can be conclusively established.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Malesela Teffo Arrested After Legal Practice Council Alerted Police

Police are also following up on a person of interest who could potentially be connected to the killings, while investigators continue examining evidence from the different crime scenes.

The discovery of a ninth woman’s body in Dawn Park on Thursday has added urgency to the investigation, with the latest case now included in the broader probe.

Home Affairs Joins Search For Answers

Home Affairs officials have now been brought into the investigation as police seek to identify the five victims who remain unidentified.

The department’s biometric records, including fingerprints, could assist investigators in establishing the identities of the women while potentially providing further leads in the wider investigation.

Police have also increased their presence in affected areas, with additional resources and intensified operations deployed across Ekurhuleni following the discovery of the bodies. SAPS previously said its response included increased patrols, visibility and investigative resources.

With nine women now found dead, investigators are working to determine exactly how the cases are connected, whether they involve the same perpetrator or perpetrators, and what led to each death.