Serial killer on the loose in Groblersdal

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Johannesburg -

Police believe a serial killer is operating in and around the Limpopo town of Groblersdal, they said on Sunday.

“Following a spate of murders which have hit the Groblersdal area in the recent past, police have every reason to believe there is a serial killer on the loose,” said Brigadier Hangwani Mulaudzi.

“Since April this year, a total of four women have been found raped and murdered (with) the modus operandi used being the same,” he said.

The first body of a woman, in her late 30s, was found decomposing in bushes on April 8 near the Air Stripped informal settlement.

In May, a farmer found the body of Monicah Mohlahlo, from Masakaneng village, on his farm on Schoeman Road.

A third woman's body was found in bushes in Groblersdal in June. The body was burnt beyond recognition.

A fourth woman's body was discovered last Sunday by two women collecting firewood at B50 Mkholoane farm. The body was also burnt beyond recognition.

“Police have also launched a search after a 28-year-old Dinah Morulaneng Lekola of Groblersdal was reported missing on 27 May 2012,” said Mulaudzi.

It was believed that Lekola went to meet a man who promised to give her a job. She had not been seen since.

“Initial police investigations done on the discovered bodies have shown that the deceased were raped before meeting their cruel deaths,” said Muluadzi.

Police believed the serial killer targeted women and urged women to be extra cautious, and not to hitchhike. - Sapa