Ninth Woman's Body Found in South Africa Amid Fear of Serial Killings
Authorities are investigating a series of deaths east of Johannesburg, but cautioned against assuming all are linked.
South African police have confirmed the discovery of a ninth woman's body in just over two months, escalating concerns over a string of unexplained deaths east of Johannesburg. The latest victim, found half-naked and wrapped in a sheet on the side of a road in Dawn Park on Thursday morning, has not yet been identified.
This discovery follows the deaths of eight other women whose bodies have been found since July across Ekurhuleni, a major urban area of Johannesburg. Several of the women were found partially clothed and with injuries, though authorities have stressed they have not yet established whether all the deaths are connected or if a serial killer is responsible.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has vowed that "no stone will be left unturned" in finding those behind the killings, which he stated are "causing fear and uncertainty in our communities." Among the identified victims are 38-year-old Elizabeth "Tsontso" Moselakgomo, who disappeared during a run, and 38-year-old Dineo Evelyn Motapane. Itumeleng Kekana, missing since July, was also identified as a victim.
The first body was discovered on July 15 in Kempton Park. A suspect was arrested two days later in connection with that specific case and remains in custody, but police have not linked this individual to the other subsequent deaths. Further bodies were discovered in August and September in various locations including Kempton Park, Olifantsfontein, Clayville, and KwaThema.
The most recent victim is believed to be in her 30s and reportedly had bruises and stab wounds.
Police have assembled a multidisciplinary team of detectives, intelligence officers, and forensic experts to investigate the deaths and determine potential links between the cases. A person of interest is also being pursued, though their connection to specific cases has not been disclosed.
"Let's not get emotional, the gloves are off," said Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi on Thursday, asserting the authorities' capacity to address the ongoing killings. The government has offered a reward of 400,000 rand (approximately $24,000 USD) for information leading to arrests and has appealed to families with missing relatives to assist in identifying the remaining victims.
The discoveries have prompted widespread alarm in Ekurhuleni, particularly around Kempton Park, and highlight longstanding concerns about high levels of violence against women in South Africa. Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia has cautioned against speculation, noting that investigators are currently dealing with what appear to be "quite distinct, separate events" at this stage.