South African police have issued a public warning for women to be cautious after the bodies of seven women were found in the same area east of Johannesburg in recent months, raising fears of a serial killer.
Police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe stated that while the deaths are not yet officially confirmed as being linked to a serial killer, the similarities are concerning enough to warrant a public alert and intensified investigations. The South African Police Services (SAPS) has advised women to be vigilant, particularly when engaging in activities like jogging in the affected areas.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has directed police authorities to prioritize these murder investigations and leave no stone unturned in bringing the perpetrators to justice. He emphasized the importance of citizen cooperation in providing information that could help end these attacks on women.
The latest discovery was made on Tuesday in the Kwa-Thema area, approximately 34 kilometers (21 miles) from Kempton Park. The victim was found naked and in an advanced state of decomposition. A body was also discovered on Monday in Olifantsontein, and last Saturday, the half-naked body of a 38-year-old woman, Elizabeth “Tsontso” Moselakgomo, was found after she went missing while jogging in Kempton Park.
These incidents have brought to the forefront long-standing concerns about violent crime in South Africa, especially crimes targeting women and children. The country recorded 5,427 murders between April and July, averaging 45 per day, according to recent crime statistics. South Africa has one of the highest femicide rates globally, with a 2022 study indicating that over 35% of adult women have experienced physical or sexual violence at some point.
The Commission for Gender Equality has called for immediate preventive measures, including a safety audit of the areas affected. This audit, involving police, municipal officials, transport authorities, and community safety structures, should assess factors such as lighting, surveillance, public transport routes, neglected spaces, police visibility, and access to emergency services. Commission spokesperson Javu Baloyi stressed that areas should not require women to be killed before receiving heightened attention.