SPRINGS — Police on the East Rand have identified 38‑year‑old Dineo Evelyn Motapane as the eighth woman found dead in a string of discoveries across Gauteng this year. Her family positively identified her at the Springs Mortuary on Wednesday afternoon, the South African Police Service (SAPS) said.
Body found in KwaThema; family had not reported her missing
SAPS spokesperson Athlenda Mathe said Motapane was last seen alive on Sunday. Her family had not reported her missing before her body was found on the side of the road in KwaThema, Springs. The body was reported to have been naked and in a state of decomposition when discovered.
Acting National Commissioner Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane offered condolences to the Motapane family and assured the community that police remain deployed on the ground as investigations continue across affected areas.
Timeline of related deaths
The discovery of Motapane’s body comes amid a sequence of findings across the East Rand and Olifantsfontein since July. Details supplied by SAPS indicate the following timeline:
| Date | Location | Known details |
|---|---|---|
| 15 July | Kempton Park | 37‑year‑old woman found naked and restrained with cable ties; a suspect, reportedly the partner, arrested on 17 July |
| 3 August | Kempton Park | Body of Itumeleng Kekana found |
| 7 September | Clayville, Olifantsfontein (near Thembisa Mall) | Woman believed in her late 20s found in a river, wearing only underwear |
| 7 September | Olifantsfontein | Unidentified woman's body discovered the same day |
| 10 September | Near Kempton Park | Unidentified woman found; body naked and in advanced decomposition |
| 12 September | Rhodesfield, Kempton Park | Remains of 38‑year‑old Elizabeth “Tsontso” Moselakgomo found partially naked and bruised; family identified her on 14 September |
| 14 September | Olifantsfontein | Another unidentified woman found partially naked and bruised after a passer‑by alerted authorities |
| 15 September | KwaThema, Springs | Body of Dineo Evelyn Motapane found; identified on 16 September |
Police response and public concern
Police say forensic processes are under way where required to establish identities and causes of death. In at least one instance a suspect has been arrested — an individual reported to be the partner of the first victim discovered on 15 July was detained two days later. SAPS has not provided further information on charges or whether the arrests relate to the full series of discoveries.
The pattern of bodies being found naked or partially clothed, and reports of bruising in some cases, has heightened public alarm in communities across the East Rand and Olifantsfontein. Local residents and family members continue to seek clarity on links between the incidents, and on what steps police are taking to protect vulnerable people in the area.
- Identifications: Two victims — Itumeleng Kekana and Elizabeth “Tsontso” Moselakgomo — have been named and identified by family.
- Police presence: SAPS says officers remain on the ground and forensic work is ongoing to link cases and confirm identities.
- Arrests: One suspect reportedly arrested in connection with the 15 July killing; no further arrests have been confirmed for other discoveries.
What residents need to know
People who believe a family member or friend is missing are urged to report this to their nearest police station immediately and to provide any recent photographs, last known movements and mobile contact details. Any witnesses to suspicious activity in the areas mentioned are asked to come forward to assist detectives with information.
Police have said they are using forensic processes to establish identities and causes of death where necessary. Community members with CCTV or dashcam footage that may assist are encouraged to hand it to investigators.
The identification of Dineo Motapane adds to growing calls for swift and transparent updates from SAPS as families seek answers. Authorities say work continues and have appealed to the public to help by providing information and by remaining vigilant.
— Gauteng correspondent
