South African police are investigating the deaths of eight women found in locations across Ekurhuleni, east of Johannesburg, over the past two months. The inquiry expanded after a body discovered on Tuesday was added to the investigation, along with an earlier case, according to DW.
The deaths have prompted fears that a serial killer or group of killers could be operating in the area. DW reported that several victims were found naked or partially clothed, and that some showed signs of sexual violence. Police have not confirmed that the cases are linked or that a serial killer is responsible.
Police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe said the similarities were serious enough for the South African Police Service to issue a public warning and intensify its investigations. She said investigators were still examining whether the killings involved one perpetrator or a group of men.
The first victim cited by police was a 37-year-old woman found naked and bound with cable ties on July 15; a suspect was arrested two days later. A 32-year-old woman was found partially clothed on August 24, while another woman’s body, discovered in a river near Tembisa on September 7, was later included in the wider inquiry.
DW reported that a 38-year-old woman disappeared after leaving her eight-year-old daughter at home to go jogging. Her partially clothed body was found behind a hotel on September 12. Another body was discovered in Kwa-Thema township on Tuesday.
Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia said the deaths must not be in vain. President Cyril Ramaphosa ordered police to prioritize the investigations, saying the killings were causing fear and uncertainty. SAPS has urged women to exercise caution, including while jogging or undertaking similar activities in the area.