Ninth woman’s body found as South African police probe string of murders
South African police have confirmed the discovery of the body of a ninth woman in two months, amid growing concern over a series of unexplained deaths east of Johannesburg.
The latest victim, believed to be in her 30s, was found partially clothed and wrapped in a sheet beside a road in Dawn Park on Thursday morning. Police have not yet released her identity.
The discovery follows the deaths of eight other women whose bodies have been found since July across Ekurhuleni. Some of the victims were found partially clothed and with injuries.
Police have stressed that they have not established whether the deaths are connected or whether a serial killer is responsible.
Among the victims was 38-year-old Elizabeth “Tsontso” Moselakgomo, who disappeared after leaving home for an afternoon run. Her body was found three days later behind a hotel in Kempton Park.
Two other victims have been identified as Itumeleng Kekana, who had been missing since July, and 38-year-old Dineo Evelyn Motapane, whose body was discovered beside a road in KwaThema on Tuesday.
The first of the nine bodies was found in Kempton Park on July 15. A suspect was arrested two days later in connection with that case and remains in custody, but police have not linked him to the other deaths.
Additional bodies were discovered in August and September in areas including Kempton Park, Olifantsfontein, Clayville and KwaThema.
Police have established a multidisciplinary investigation team comprising detectives, intelligence officers, forensic experts and other specialists to determine whether there are links between the cases.
Authorities are also pursuing a person of interest, although details about the case or cases involved have not been disclosed.
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi said authorities were determined to get to the bottom of the killings.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has also vowed that “no stone will be left unturned” in efforts to find those responsible, saying the killings were causing fear and uncertainty in communities.
Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia has urged the public to avoid speculation, saying investigators were currently dealing with what appeared to be “quite distinct, separate events”.
Police have nevertheless said they are investigating the possibility that a group of people could be behind some of the killings.
Authorities have offered a R400,000 reward for information that could lead to arrests and have appealed to families with missing relatives to assist in identifying the remaining victims.
Police have also urged women to remain vigilant, avoid walking alone or using isolated routes, stay alert to strangers and suspicious vehicles, and share their travel plans or location with someone they trust.
The deaths have caused widespread alarm in Ekurhuleni and come amid longstanding concerns over high levels of gender-based violence in South Africa.
According to UN Women, the rate at which women are killed in South Africa is five times higher than the global average. *_-BBC_*
