By Levy Masiteng
SAPS in the North West says there is no official police report supporting claims that a suspect described as the “Kempton Park Serial Killer” has relocated to Potchefstroom.
The warning came after a message began circulating on social media claiming that the alleged suspect had fled Gauteng and was now in Potchefstroom.
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According to the original circulating message, the suspect had allegedly been linked through “recent forensic evidence” to a suspicious incident near the Bult early on Wednesday morning.
The message further claimed that the suspect had crossed Gauteng checkpoints in a hijacked silver sedan and described him as a man in his mid-30s, about 1.8m tall, with a scar across his left cheekbone.
It also alleged that police had deployed specialised units, drones and a mobile command centre and urged students around the North-West University campus to exercise extreme caution.
However, SAPS North West said it had found no official report or complaint confirming the claims contained in the message.
“At this stage, the Potchefstroom police has 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,” police said.
SAPS said it was aware of the serious investigations taking place in the Kempton Park area and that official police communication had confirmed investigations into the deaths of women there were continuing.
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“This does not, on its own, establish that a suspect connected to those investigations has relocated to Potchefstroom,” police said.
Acting North West Provincial Commissioner Major General Ryno Naidoo said police understood the concern such a message could cause, particularly among residents and students.
“We appeal to the community not to spread unverified information or create unnecessary panic, because any genuine operational development or public safety warning will be communicated through official SAPS channels.”
The “alert” comes amid heightened concern over the deaths of women in Ekurhuleni, where Gauteng police are investigating whether there may be links between eight bodies discovered over the past two months.
Police have established a multidisciplinary investigation into the deaths but have not officially confirmed that a serial killer is responsible.
SAPS urged members of the public to continue observing sensible safety precautions, particularly after dark.
Police guidance includes avoiding walking alone where possible, using well-lit areas and remaining aware of one’s surroundings.
Residents and businesses with information about an actual criminal incident have been urged to report it to police rather than trying to investigate or confront any person themselves.
SAPS said emergencies or crimes could be reported on 10111 or at a local police station, while Crime Stop could be contacted on 08600 10111.
Police also warned that false or misleading information circulated on social media could cause unnecessary fear and divert police resources, and urged the public to verify alarming messages before forwarding them.
