South African police have discovered the body of another woman in Ekurhuleni, east of Johannesburg, bringing the number of women found dead in the municipality over the past two months to 10.
The latest discovery was made on Saturday, September 26, at Mooifontein Cemetery in Tembisa South, Gauteng.
Police said the woman was found partially clothed near an informal settlement.
Brigadier Brenda Muridili, a spokesperson for the South African Police Service in Gauteng, confirmed the discovery but said investigators were still working at the scene.
“At this stage, we can only confirm the discovery of the body,” Muridili said, according to reports.
Police investigate possible links
Gauteng police commissioner Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni said the investigation was still at an early stage.
He said the victim appeared to have suffered severe injuries, while a post-mortem examination would be conducted to establish the exact cause of death.
Mthombeni said experienced investigators had been assigned to the case and would work to determine who was responsible.
The latest death comes amid a wider investigation into the deaths of women across Ekurhuleni.
Several of the previous victims were found partially or completely undressed, while some cases showed signs that sexual assault may have occurred.
However, South African authorities have not confirmed that all the cases were committed by the same person or group. Investigators are still examining possible connections.
Suspects arrested in earlier case
Police previously arrested two women in connection with the death of the ninth victim, Jabulile Ntimba, whose body was discovered in Dawn Park, Boksburg.
A man was initially detained in connection with that case but was later released without charges, according to reporting on the investigation.
Authorities have also offered a reward for information that could help identify those responsible for the killings.
The investigation comes against the backdrop of South Africa’s longstanding struggle with gender-based violence and high levels of violent crime.
Police and investigators are continuing efforts to establish whether the deaths are connected and to identify the perpetrators.
