Specialised Team Probing Ekurhuleni Murders

President Cyril Ramaphosa says a specialised multidisciplinary team has been deployed to investigate the 11 murders reported in Ekurhuleni amid growing concern over the recent spate of femicide cases.

Addressing the nation on Tuesday, Ramaphosa said the investigation had been elevated to the national level and would bring together detectives, crime intelligence, forensic specialists, investigative psychologists, digital investigators and other specialised capabilities.

Several arrests have already been made in connection with some of the cases

Two suspects have also been arrested and appeared in court in connection with the murder of Jabulile Timba.

Meanwhile, a suspect is in custody in connection with the murder of Busisiwe Mahlangu.

Ramaphosa said investigators had identified persons of interest in the remaining cases and had collected a range of forensic evidence, including DNA, blood samples, clothing, cellphones and cellphone records.

The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has also been brought in to assist investigators with the digital forensic component of the investigation.

“A specialised multidisciplinary investigation has been elevated to the national level under the coordination of the Deputy National Commissioner for Detective Services,” Ramaphosa said.

The President said the strengthened investigation was intended to bring together the expertise and resources needed to establish what happened in each case and identify those responsible.