South African police are investigating the deaths of nine women whose bodies have been discovered in the Ekurhuleni municipality, east of Johannesburg, over the past two months.
The discoveries have sparked fears that the killings could be connected and may involve a serial offender, although authorities have stressed that no link between all the cases has been established.
The latest victim was found on Thursday, September 17, near a construction site in Dawn Park. The unidentified woman, believed to be around 30 years old, had an apparent stab wound and what police described as an injury to her throat. Forensic investigators were yet to determine the official cause of death.
Police said the nine victims were women between their 20s and 30s, with several found naked or partially clothed and some showing similar signs of bruising. Eight of the victims reportedly showed signs of sexual assault, according to police information cited by The Washington Post.
The first five bodies were discovered in or around Kempton Park, while others were found in different locations between approximately 25 and 35 kilometres away.
One of the victims was identified as 38-year-old Elizabeth “Tsontso” Moselakgomo, who went missing while out for a run. Her body was found three days later.
A suspect was previously arrested in connection with the discovery of the first victim’s body. Police, however, have not established whether the suspect is connected to the other deaths and have not disclosed further details about the case.
Gauteng provincial police commissioner Fred Kekana said investigators were considering all possibilities, including the possibility that the deaths involved multiple suspects or separate perpetrators.
He said detectives were comparing evidence, timelines, locations, victim profiles and other circumstances before reaching a conclusion on whether the cases are linked. Police have described the similarities among some of the killings as sufficiently concerning to warrant a public warning and an intensified investigation.
A multidisciplinary investigative team, including specialists in complex violent crimes, has been assigned to the case. Police have also appealed to members of the public to provide information that could help identify those responsible.
The discoveries have renewed concerns about gender-based violence and femicide in South Africa, where activists and community members have staged protests and memorial events calling for greater protection of women. President Cyril Ramaphosa has directed law enforcement agencies to thoroughly investigate the deaths.
Authorities have also warned the public against circulating graphic photographs of the victims or unverified information on social media, saying such material could spread fear and interfere with the investigation.
