Police in the Ekurhuleni municipality, east of Johannesburg, announced Thursday the discovery of a ninth woman’s body. The victim, believed to be about 30 years old, was found near a construction site with a stab wound to her side and an apparent throat injury. While forensic investigators have not yet confirmed the official cause of death, the finding adds to a series of similar killings that have shocked the nation.
Pattern of Violence Raises Alarm
Over the past two months, eight other women have been located across various Ekurhuleni communities, including Kempton Park, Pomona, Clayville, Olifantsfontein, Rhodesfield, KwaThema and Dawn Park. Police have noted similarities among the cases, prompting a public warning and a high‑level, multidisciplinary investigation team.
Official Response and Call for Help
Provincial police commissioner Fred Kekana said a passerby reported the latest discovery and urged residents not to circulate photographs or unverified reports on social media, warning that such actions spread fear and could inspire copycat crimes. Kekana appealed for any information that might help link the cases, emphasizing that the investigation is ongoing.
Government Leaders React
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi stated that police are pursuing leads and making progress in a few of the cases, though he declined to provide specifics. “They’ve declared war against the state. We’ll respond,” Lesufi told reporters at the scene, underscoring the government’s commitment to bring the perpetrators to justice.
Community Organizations Urge Prompt Reporting
Missing In Southern Africa, an organization that supports families of missing persons, called on communities to report disappearances immediately. “There is no waiting period to report a missing person,” the group said, urging anyone with a suspicion to contact the South African Police Service without delay.
The investigation remains active, and authorities continue to ask the public for any leads that could help solve these tragic deaths.
Original reporting: Alexandria, VA News – WTOP News — read the source article.
