PRETORIA – Police Minister, General Bheki Cele believes investigators assigned to probe the killings of five women in the Mthwalume area in the South Coast of Kwa-Zulu Natal, have covered much ground.
The bodies of five women aged between 16 and 36 years were found on a sugarcane farm between April and August 2020, two of which were found this week.
The gruesome discoveries has resulted in the investigative interventions on a national level. The National Head of Crime Intelligence and Detectives along with the National Head of the Family Violence Child Protection and Sexual Offenses unit (FCS) has joined forces with the provincial investigators to look into the case.
Minister Cele has welcomed this high-level intervention, saying it’s already paying off.
“We couldn’t just sit by and accept that women are getting murdered. I am satisfied that this team has already brought in two people of interest who they believe have a case to answer to.”
The Police Minister who visited the crime scene in the Mthwalume area, interacted with concerned residents who called for more protection from the police.
Cele assured the community members consisting of mainly women, that there will be high density visible patrols conducted in the area.
“Over and above the extra boots on the ground to ensure this type of crimes don’t take place and that women are safe and feel safe, we have also established a mobile Community Service Centre that will make certain this area and surrounding areas have better access to services of the SAPS.” – Cele concluded
Two men who have been arrested as persons of interest in connection with the five murders are expected to appear in court on Monday.

Source: South African Police Service