East Rand murders raise fears of possible serial killer

The discovery of eight bodies in Ekurhuleni has raised concerns that some of the killings could be linked to a serial killer.

Elmarie Myburgh, a former South African Police Service investigator and criminal profiler who worked on serial murder and rape cases, said investigators would need to examine each case and crime scene for similarities before determining whether the deaths were connected.

Myburgh said the number of bodies discovered within a relatively small geographical area, together with similarities in how some victims were found, had immediately raised her suspicions, Celeste Martin writes for EWN.

Investigators would compare crime scenes, victim profiles and other evidence while also examining differences in how the crimes were committed. DNA evidence could potentially establish links between the cases and older investigations.

Myburgh said the geographical distance between crime scenes should not necessarily rule out a connection, as offenders could move between areas.

She said police should consider issuing public warnings if a clear pattern emerged, noting that the first one or two cases might appear coincidental, but a third similar case should prompt greater concern.

Myburgh also called for a dedicated team of trained detectives to be assembled if evidence of a possible serial offender emerges.