Parliament, Tuesday, 15 September 2026 – The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Police, Mr Ian Cameron, said the discovery this morning of another woman’s body on the side of the road in Kwa-Thema, Springs, adds to the growing concern about the deaths of women across Ekurhuleni.
The latest discovery follows yesterday’s in Olifantsfontein and the earlier cases in and around Kempton Park. Six women’s bodies have now reportedly been found across Ekurhuleni in approximately two months.
“We must be careful not to claim links that investigators have not established,” the Chairperson said. “SAPS has not said that all six cases are connected and the circumstances surrounding the Kwa-Thema discovery are still emerging.”
The Chairperson said what is important is that the South African Police Service (SAPS) has already established a multidisciplinary team involving specialist detectives, forensic experts, tracking capability, K9 resources and investigative psychology. He said this is the kind of coordinated specialist response these cases require, and the investigators must now be given the space and support to do their work.
“I also believe SAPS was being responsible to warn women to remain vigilant while the possibility of a serial offender is being considered. This caution is not about creating panic. It is about being open with communities about a potential risk while investigators establish the facts. The public can now play an important role in supporting this investigation,” he said.
“Ekurhuleni has EMPD, private security companies, CPFs, neighbourhood structures and extensive CCTV and automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) networks. Taxi and e-hailing drivers, delivery drivers and ordinary motorists are also on these roads every day. All of this could potentially assist investigators.” Mr Cameron called on anyone with relevant CCTV, ANPR or dashcam footage to preserve it and make it available to SAPS.
“These cases also speak to South Africa’s much broader struggle with gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF),” he said. “Our response to GBVF must ultimately be measured by our ability to prevent violence, identify offenders, conduct quality investigations and secure successful prosecutions.”
Meanwhile, also on Monday, the body of 10-year-old Octavia Swarts was found at a dam outside Kraaifontein in the Western Cape. There is no suggestion that her death is connected to events in Ekurhuleni. It is a separate investigation, but another reminder of the violence confronting women and children across our country, the Chairperson noted.
Mr Cameron appealed to anyone who may know something. “You do not need to have witnessed a murder to have useful information. A vehicle stopped somewhere unusual, suspicious activity, someone seen with one of the victims, or footage from a home, business, or vehicle may become important when combined with other evidence. Please speak to SAPS. Do not assume somebody else has already reported what you know,” appealed Mr Cameron.
The committee will continue to follow developments through its oversight work, while allowing investigators the space to conduct these investigations properly. Mr Cameron said the families deserve answers, and the multidisciplinary team deserves all of our support as they work to find those responsible.
ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON POLICE, MR IAN CAMERON.
For media enquiries or interviews with the Chairperson, please contact the Committee’s Media Officer.
Mr Mava Lukani
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Email: mlukani@parliament.gov.za
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