South African police have confirmed that a ninth woman’s body has been discovered in the Ekurhuleni area east of Johannesburg, intensifying concern over a series of deaths reported there since July.
The latest victim was found on the side of a road in Dawn Park on Thursday morning, police said. She was partially unclothed and wrapped in a sheet, and her identity has not been made public. Local media reported that the woman, believed to be in her 30s, appeared to have bruising and stab wounds.
The discovery follows the recovery of eight other women’s bodies in Ekurhuleni over roughly two months. Several victims were partially clothed and had injuries, but investigators have said they have not established whether the cases are connected or whether a serial killer is involved.
Investigation continues
The first body in the series was found in Kempton Park on 15 July. A suspect was arrested two days later in connection with that case and remains in custody, though police have not linked the person to any of the subsequent deaths.
Other bodies were found during August and September in Kempton Park, Olifantsfontein, Clayville and KwaThema. Among the identified victims are 38-year-old Elizabeth “Tsontso” Moselakgomo, whose body was found behind a hotel in Kempton Park three days after she disappeared while going for an afternoon run; Itumeleng Kekana, who had been missing since July; and 38-year-old Dineo Evelyn Motapane, whose body was found beside a road in KwaThema on Tuesday.
Police have formed a multidisciplinary team involving detectives, intelligence personnel, forensic specialists and other experts to assess possible connections between the deaths. Authorities are also pursuing a person of interest, without disclosing which investigation or investigations that person may be associated with.
Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia urged the public not to speculate, saying the cases appeared at this stage to be separate events. President Cyril Ramaphosa said authorities would leave no stone unturned in seeking those responsible, describing the killings as a source of fear and uncertainty in communities.
Fear and safety advice
Residents, particularly women, have voiced alarm following the discoveries. Bongeka Sebela, a local resident, told the BBC that women in the area were afraid to leave their homes or go to shops.
Police described serious and violent crimes against women as a matter of grave concern and advised women to avoid isolated routes and walking alone, remain alert to unfamiliar people and suspicious vehicles, share travel plans with trusted contacts, and avoid using earphones at a volume that could reduce awareness of surroundings. A reward of 400,000 rand has been offered for information leading to arrests, while families of missing people have been asked to assist with identifying victims.
South Africa has longstanding concerns over violence against women. According to UN Women, women are killed in the country at a rate five times the global average.
Source: BBC News
