When Itumeleng Kekana vanished on 17 July, her brother Themba and relatives launched a desperate hunt that spanned more than two weeks. The search stretched from the rural hills of QwaQwa in the Free State to the bustling streets of Kempton Park, ending in heartbreak when her remains were found along the R21 riverbank on 3 August.
Last Contact and Sudden Disappearance
Itumeleng, 32, had moved to Kempton Park to live with her boyfriend while running a small business that sold beauty products and offered tailoring services. On the day of her disappearance, she called her brother to wish him a happy 44th birthday – the last conversation they ever shared. Later that evening, a co‑worker recalled seeing her at work, chatting on her phone before abruptly standing up and saying she would return shortly. She never came back, and her mobile device stopped transmitting, leaving the family with an unsettling silence.
The Family’s Exhaustive Search
Determined to find their sister, Themba drove from QwaQwa to Kempton Park on 19 July. Together with Itumeleng’s boyfriend, they reported the case at the local police station and then canvassed hospitals, mortuaries, clinics, and even remote dumping sites. The family scoured open fields, dense bushes, and abandoned lots, calling her number repeatedly and monitoring their WhatsApp group for any sign of life.
Physical fatigue gave way to emotional strain. Themba described sleepless nights, loss of appetite and a constant ache of uncertainty. Yet the family clung to hope, telling themselves that even a lifeless discovery would bring closure, a sentiment that kept them moving forward despite the growing dread.
The Grim Discovery
On the morning of 3 August, a commuter walking to work spotted a partially clothed woman’s body near a river that runs alongside the R21. Police were alerted, and the Kekana family was summoned to the scene. The sight that greeted them was harrowing: Itumeleng’s face was swollen and bruised, her clothing torn, making visual identification difficult. Nonetheless, family members confirmed the identity through distinctive tattoos and personal belongings.
In the aftermath, Themba appealed for the review of nearby CCTV footage, urging investigators to analyse the recordings that could reveal the moments leading up to the tragedy. Police have pledged to examine the video, but as of now no arrests have been announced.
Wider Context: A Wave of Female Victims in Ekurhuleni
Itumeleng’s death is the latest in a disturbing series of at least eight women found in various locations across Ekurhuleni since mid‑July. The first case, reported on 15 July, involved a 37‑year‑old woman discovered naked and bound with cable ties in an open field in Kempton Park. Authorities quickly arrested a suspect believed to be her partner.
Subsequent discoveries have included bodies in Clayville, Olifantsfontein, and Kwa‑Thema, many of which were partially undressed and showed signs of assault. The victims range in age from the late twenties to early forties, and most were found with limited clothing, suggesting a possible pattern of gender‑based violence.
Acting National Police Commissioner Puleng Dimpane has called on the public to assist with identification and to come forward with any information that could link the cases. A R400,000 reward has been announced for tips leading to arrests, underscoring the seriousness with which law enforcement views the string of murders.
Remembering Itumeleng
Beyond the circumstances of her death, Itumeleng was a vibrant individual who loved football, especially the rivalry between Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs. She often shared match updates with her family, a habit that highlighted her enthusiasm for the sport.
She was also a devoted mother to a 14‑year‑old daughter, who now lives with her grandparents in QwaQwa. The teenager has struggled to comprehend the loss of her mother after weeks of frantic searching that ended in tragedy.
Itumeleng’s funeral took place on 22 August back in her hometown, where she was laid to rest surrounded by relatives and friends who remembered her ambition, her laughter, and her unwavering dedication to her work.
Looking Ahead
The Kekana family continues to demand a thorough investigation, urging police to uncover the truth behind Itumeleng’s murder and to bring any perpetrators to justice. Their plea reflects a broader community call for answers as Ekurhuleni grapples with a wave of violence that has left many families in limbo.
While the reward offers a glimmer of hope, the ultimate resolution will depend on diligent forensic work, community cooperation, and a concerted effort to address the underlying factors driving these crimes against women in the region.
