Police in South Africa are investigating the discovery of a ninth woman’s body in Ekurhuleni, east of Johannesburg, amid fears that the killings may be connected.
The latest body was found early on Thursday near a construction site after a passer-by alerted officers. The woman, who has not been identified, appeared to be about 30 years old.
Gauteng provincial police commissioner Fred Kekana said she appeared to have suffered a stab wound to her side, while her throat also appeared to have been cut. Forensic investigators had yet to establish the official cause of death.
All nine bodies have been found across Ekurhuleni over the past two months, in communities including Kempton Park, Pomona, Clayville, Olifantsfontein, Rhodesfield, KwaThema and Dawn Park.
Police said similarities between the deaths of the first eight victims had been sufficiently concerning to prompt a public warning. However, Mr Kekana said investigators had not yet established whether the latest death was linked to the other cases.
A multidisciplinary team has been assigned to investigate the killings and identify those responsible. Police have also appealed to the public for information.
Authorities have imposed a lockdown in Kempton Park, while deputy police chief Tebello Mosikili told reporters in Dawn Park: “We cannot continue picking up bodies.”
Gauteng premier Panyaza Lesufi said investigators were following leads and making progress in two or three cases, although he did not provide further details.
“They’ve declared war against the state. We’ll respond,” Mr Lesufi told reporters at the scene. “We’re not going to surrender.”
The discoveries have caused widespread alarm and renewed attention on femicide and violent crime in South Africa. Police have urged people not to share photographs of the bodies or unverified reports on social media, warning that such material could spread fear and encourage copycat crimes.
Missing In Southern Africa, an organisation supporting missing people and their families, said the deaths had deepened the anguish of families searching for loved ones.
It urged anyone concerned about a disappearance to contact the South African Police Service immediately, stressing: “There is no waiting period to report a missing person.”
