Family Identifies Ekurhuleni Woman Among Eight Bodies Found Since July
The body of 38-year-old Dineo Evelyn Motapane, who was found beside a road in KwaThema, Springs, has been positively identified by her family.
Motapane was found on Tuesday, 15 September, and her family identified her at the Springs Mortuary on Wednesday afternoon, according to the South African Police Service (SAPS).
SAPS national spokesperson Athlenda Mathe said Motapane was last seen alive on Sunday. Her family had not reported her missing before her body was discovered.
"According to the family, Ms Motapane was last seen alive on Sunday. At the time her body was discovered, her family had not yet reported her missing."
Motapane is the latest woman to be identified among eight women whose bodies have been discovered in Ekurhuleni since July.
Police Intensify Investigation
Acting National Commissioner of SAPS Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane has expressed her condolences to Motapane's family and assured them and the wider KwaThema community that the investigation is being intensified.
"Lieutenant General Dimpane has expressed her deepest condolences to the Motapane family during this difficult time."
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"She has further assured the family and the community that police remain firmly on the ground, with investigations into the murders of the eight women being intensified."
Mathe said a multidisciplinary team of investigators and specialists was working to establish the circumstances surrounding each death, identify those responsible and bring them to justice.
"A multidisciplinary team of investigators and specialists continues to work around the clock to establish the circumstances surrounding each case, identify those responsible and ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice."
Eight Women Found Since July
The discovery of the bodies has caused concern in Ekurhuleni. Several of the victims were found partially naked and with signs of trauma.
Police have previously said they have not established whether the deaths are linked to a single perpetrator, multiple suspects or unrelated crimes.
The investigation remains focused on determining how each woman died and whether there are connections between the cases.
Police Appeal For Information
Motapane's identification comes as investigators continue efforts to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths and develop leads.
Police have urged anyone with information that could assist the investigation to come forward. They have also called on families to report women who go missing and to cooperate with investigators.
With Motapane now identified, three of the eight women whose bodies have been found in Ekurhuleni since July have been identified.
