Ekurhuleni communities are confronting rising fear after police confirmed the discovery of a ninth woman's body in two months and expanded the investigation to determine whether the deaths are linked. The most recent victim was found half-naked, wrapped in a sheet on the side of a road in Dawn Park, and her identity has not yet been released.
The discovery follows eight other unexplained deaths since mid-July across the urban district east of Johannesburg. Several of the previous victims were found partially clothed and with injuries, and bodies have been located in Kempton Park, Olifantsfontein, Clayville and KwaThema. The first body in the series was found on 15 July, and a suspect arrested two days later remains in custody in relation to that initial case. Authorities have not connected that detainee to the subsequent discoveries.
Police have assembled a multidisciplinary team of detectives, intelligence officers, forensic specialists and other experts to examine the scenes and establish any links between cases. Investigators are also pursuing a person of interest, though officials have not specified which death or deaths that individual may be connected to. Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia warned against jumping to conclusions, saying investigators were dealing with what appeared, at this stage, to be "quite distinct, separate events."
Political leaders have pledged action. President Cyril Ramaphosa said "no stone will be left unturned" as he pledged to find those responsible for killings that he said were "causing fear and uncertainty in our communities." Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi said authorities had the capacity to respond, adding, "Let's not get emotional, the gloves are off."
Police have offered a 400,000 rand reward for information that could lead to arrests and appealed to families with missing relatives to assist with identifying victims. Among the named victims are Elizabeth "Tsontso" Moselakgomo, who disappeared after an afternoon run and whose body was found behind a Kempton Park hotel, Itumeleng Kekana, and 38-year-old Dineo Evelyn Motapane.
The unfolding cluster of deaths has amplified longstanding concern about violence against women in South Africa. Investigators say they are examining the possibility that a group may be involved, while continuing to treat each discovery as they gather forensic evidence and follow up leads.
