South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has vowed that "no stone will be left unturned" in the investigation into the deaths of several women found near Johannesburg over the past two months. The latest discovery was made Tuesday morning, bringing the total number of bodies under investigation to seven, most of whom were found partially or fully naked.
"These incidents are causing fear and uncertainty in our communities, and especially among women," Ramaphosa stated. Police are investigating the possibility of a group of individuals being responsible for the killings and are not ruling out the involvement of a serial killer, although no definitive link has been established.
One arrest has been made in connection with the first body discovered. So far, only two of the seven women have been identified. Among them is Elizabeth Moselakgomo, a runner whose disappearance last week prompted a public search.
Ramaphosa has directed law enforcement agencies to prioritize the cases. "Our law enforcement agencies are working urgently to establish the facts, keep communities safe and bring the perpetrator or perpetrators to justice," he said.
South Africa contends with some of the world's highest rates of gender-based violence, with femicide rates five times the global average, according to UN Women. The recent discoveries have intensified public outcry and criticism of authorities' efforts to protect women.
Moselakgomo, 38, was identified by relatives after her body was found on Saturday. Her daughter had alerted authorities to her disappearance when she did not return from a run the previous Wednesday. The first body was found in mid-July, the second in late August, with the remaining five discovered in September. One of those found on September 7 in a river near a mall, identified as a woman in her late 20s, has also been included in the investigation.
Authorities have advised women in the Kempton Park area, located near South Africa's main international airport, to avoid walking or running alone, particularly in isolated areas. The Commission for Gender Equality urged Kempton Park residents to cooperate with the police, emphasizing that "women should be able to run, walk to work, use public transport, return home, visit friends and participate in community life without having to calculate whether an ordinary activity could place their lives at risk."