South African police have discovered the body of another woman in Ekurhuleni, east of Johannesburg, bringing the number of female bodies found in the area since July to 11. The latest discovery has intensified concerns over a series of killings that police are investigating.
The latest victim was found on Sunday, September 27, in an open field near Rhokana Road in Springs. A private security company vehicle reportedly spotted the body while patrolling the area and alerted the police.
Gauteng Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni said preliminary investigations indicated that the woman, believed to be in her early 20s, had recently been murdered. Police said forensic examinations would be important in determining the exact cause of death and whether the case is connected to other killings.
The discovery came just one day after another woman’s body was found near Mooifontein Cemetery in Tembisa, also within Ekurhuleni. Police arrested a suspect in connection with that killing and are awaiting forensic results to determine whether the suspect could also be linked to other cases.
Police investigate possible links
Authorities have been investigating the deaths after several women’s bodies were discovered across Ekurhuleni over recent weeks.
Police have not confirmed that all 11 killings were committed by the same person or group. However, the number of victims and the locations of some of the discoveries have prompted concerns about a possible connection.
According to police, investigators have brought together detectives, crime intelligence officers, crime-scene specialists and the Investigative Psychology Services unit to examine the cases.
The first investigations began after three women’s bodies were discovered in July and August within a relatively small area. Several additional bodies were subsequently found during September, increasing public concern about women’s safety in the region.
Four people in custody
Police have said that four people are currently in custody in connection with cases involving some of the women, although authorities have not established that all the killings are connected.
A man was arrested hundreds of kilometres away after being linked to the latest group of investigations. Police are continuing to examine evidence recovered from different crime scenes to establish possible connections.
The investigations have attracted significant public attention in South Africa, where violence against women remains a major concern.
Authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant while investigators work to establish what happened to the victims and whether there is a common link between the cases.
Police say further information will be released as forensic examinations and investigations progress.
