Suspect linked to first of nine EKURHULENI WOMEN MURDERS

Suspect Linked to First of Nine Ekurhuleni Women Murders Believed to Be Foreign National
EKURHULENI: A prime suspect in the murder of one of nine women whose bodies were discovered across Ekurhuleni over the past two months is believed to be a foreign national, police have confirmed.
Deputy National Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Tebello Mosikili said preliminary investigations have linked the suspect to the first murder, which occurred in July.
The victim was found naked in an open field near Kempton Park, with her hands allegedly restrained with cable ties.
Mosikili said police are still working to officially confirm the suspect’s identity and nationality.
“We are currently obtaining fingerprints from both police and prison records to officially verify the absolute identity and legal nationality status of the suspect in custody,” Mosikili said during a media briefing.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) is working with the Department of Home Affairs to establish the suspect’s background and immigration status.
Investigators are also probing possible links between the nine murder cases. A multidisciplinary task team, supported by forensic and psychological investigative units, has been established to assist with the investigation.
The suspect appeared in court this week and remains in custody at the Modderbee Correctional Facility.
Police have urged anyone with information that could assist the investigation to come forward.
SAPS has also warned members of the public against vigilantism and spreading unverified information on social media, stressing that the investigation remains ongoing.
Authorities have yet to establish whether the suspect is connected to the other eight murders.