Potchefstroom: The South African Police Service (SAPS) in the North West has noted a message circulating on social media alleging that a suspect described as the 'Kempton Park Serial Killer' has relocated to Potchefstroom and that an extensive police operation has been launched in the city.
According to South African Government News Agency, the SAPS urged the public not to treat the circulating message as an official alert unless confirmed through SAPS communication channels. "At this stage, the Potchefstroom police have not found an official report or complaint confirming the specific claims contained in the circulating message, including the alleged relocation of a suspect to Potchefstroom, the alleged incident near the Bult, the description of the suspect, or claims regarding a mobile command centre, drones and specialised units," the police stated.
The SAPS in the North West further highlighted that it is aware of ongoing serious investigations in Gauteng's Kempton Park area. However, this does not confirm that a suspect connected to those investigations has moved to Potchefstroom.
This update follows Acting Police Minister, Professor Firoz Cachalia's assurance to the nation that a high-level, multidisciplinary team is equipped to investigate a series of murders of women in Ekurhuleni. "The team is in place, and I can give you the assurance, based on past experience, that when it comes to such situations, the South African Police Service has the experience, the high-level expertise, to investigate cases of this kind," he stated at a media briefing on Tuesday night.
Recent developments revealed the discovery of the bodies of four women in the same area over approximately two months. Two additional bodies were discovered in different areas of Ekurhuleni in Gauteng on Monday and Tuesday morning, with an eighth body found on Tuesday evening.
North West Acting Provincial Commissioner, Major General Ryno Naidoo, appealed to the community to remain calm, vigilant, and responsible when sharing information. He emphasized the importance of not spreading unverified information or creating unnecessary panic, as any genuine operational development or public safety warning will be communicated through official SAPS channels.
Naidoo encouraged the public to observe sensible personal-safety precautions, particularly after dark, such as avoiding walking alone, using well-lit areas, and being aware of their surroundings. He further urged residents and businesses with information related to criminal incidents to report it to the police rather than taking matters into their own hands.
For emergencies or reporting crime, the public is advised to contact 10111 or their local police station. Crime Stop 08600 10111 can be used to provide information about criminal activity. The police reminded the public that false or misleading information circulated through social media can cause unnecessary fear and divert police resources, urging communities to verify alarming messages before forwarding them and to rely on official SAPS communication platforms for information.