Nine Women Found Dead in South Africa as Police Probe Possible Links

South African police are investigating the deaths of nine women whose bodies have been discovered across the Ekurhuleni municipality over a two-month period.

The discoveries have raised fears among residents that the killings could be connected, although police have stressed that no link between the cases has yet been established.

The deaths have renewed concerns about violence against women in South Africa, where femicide and gender-based violence remain significant national issues.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has called for a thorough investigation and urged men to play a greater role in preventing violence against women and girls.

According to figures from UN Women, women in South Africa are killed at a rate around five times higher than the global average.

Latest body discovered

The most recent discovery was made on Thursday, September 17, when police found the body of an unidentified woman in Dawn Park, on the outskirts of Johannesburg.

The woman, believed to be about 30 years old, was found partially clothed and had suffered stab wounds.

Police said she may have been killed elsewhere before her body was transported to the park.

She was the ninth woman found dead in circumstances that investigators are examining for possible similarities since July 17.

Where were the bodies found?

All nine bodies were discovered within Ekurhuleni, in the greater Johannesburg region.

The first five were found around Kempton Park, while the remaining bodies were located at separate sites between 25 and 35 kilometres away.

Dawn Park, where the latest body was discovered, is about 30 kilometres south of Kempton Park.

Four victims identified

Police have so far identified four of the nine women.

Dineo Motapane, 38, a mother of two, was found dead in a residential area of Ekurhuleni. Her body had suffered severe injuries and burns.

Gracious Nkomo, 28, was found on September 10 after her partially clothed body was dumped beside the R21 highway in Kempton Park.

Elizabeth Moselakgomo, 38, was also found dead in Kempton Park. Reports said her young daughter contacted police after Moselakgomo failed to return from a run.

Itumeleng Kekana, 32, worked as a shopkeeper. Her bruised and partially clothed body was discovered on a bridge in July, 17 days after she was last seen by relatives.

Five other victims remain unidentified.

Police investigate possible connections

Investigators have not determined whether the deaths are connected or whether they involve one or more offenders.

Police are nevertheless examining possible links because of similarities involving the victims' ages and the circumstances in which some of the bodies were discovered.

The women are believed to have been in their 20s or 30s. Several were found naked or partially clothed, while some bodies showed similar signs of bruising.

The similarities have prompted concern among local residents about the possibility of a serial offender.

Gauteng provincial police commissioner Fred Kekana has cautioned against reaching conclusions before investigators have completed their work.

Police are comparing evidence, timelines, locations, victim profiles and other circumstances surrounding each death.

Investigators are considering the possibility of multiple suspects as well as separate perpetrators.

At least one suspect detained

Police have detained at least one suspect in connection with the investigation.

Deputy police commissioner Tebello Mosikili said the suspect appeared in court on Wednesday and would remain in custody.

Police had received information indicating the person may not be a South African national, although authorities were working to verify that information.

Acting national police commissioner Puleng Dimpane has also referred to a person of interest being investigated, but it remains unclear whether that individual is the same person already in custody.

Gauteng premier Panyaza Lesufi said authorities were determined to identify those responsible and bring them before the courts.

Police offer reward for information

Police have appealed to members of the public to provide information that could help investigators.

A reward of 400,000 rand, equivalent to about $25,000, has been offered for information that leads to an arrest.

Authorities have also urged women in affected areas to remain alert and, where possible, avoid walking or running alone around Kempton Park.

Women's support organisations have questioned advice that places responsibility for personal safety primarily on women, arguing that authorities must focus on preventing and prosecuting violence.

The deaths have also prompted renewed calls for men to take greater responsibility for challenging gender-based violence.

President Ramaphosa has urged men to speak out against violence, challenge harmful attitudes towards women, hold perpetrators accountable and report abuse to police.

The investigation remains ongoing, and police have not confirmed that the nine deaths were committed by the same person or group.