10th woman's body found near Johannesburg as police probe killings
Authorities investigate a series of deaths in Ekurhuleni, raising fears of a serial killer.
Authorities investigate a series of deaths in Ekurhuleni, raising fears of a serial killer.
KEY TAKEAWAYS- South African police have discovered the body of a 10th woman in the Ekurhuleni municipality, east of Johannesburg, on Saturday morning.
- Police are investigating whether the latest death is linked to the nine previous killings in the region.
- The recent spate of killings has intensified calls for action on gender-based violence in South Africa.
- [aljazeera.
Police confirm discovery of 10th body in Johannesburg area
South African police have discovered the body of a 10th woman in the Ekurhuleni municipality, east of Johannesburg, on Saturday morning. The discovery brings the total number of female bodies found in the area since mid-July to 10. Police confirmed the finding in Thembisa but have not yet released details about the victim's age or cause of death.
The body was located at a cemetery in the Tembisa neighbourhood. Police stated that crime scene investigators were at the location gathering evidence. The discovery adds to growing concerns about violence against women in a country with one of the highest femicide rates globally.
President Cyril Ramaphosa acknowledged the latest discovery while campaigning for upcoming local elections. He described the situation as a 'shame on the men of South Africa' following the deaths of women in the country.
Investigation into possible serial killings
Police are investigating whether the latest death is linked to the nine previous killings in the region. Provincial police chief Tommy Mthombeni stated that while the ninth killing appeared to be an isolated case, some of the other murders shared similarities. He noted a 'similar victimology' and a 'modus operandi' across the deaths.
Mthombeni said it was too early to rule out the possibility of a serial killer but cautioned that there was no conclusive evidence to suggest a single person or group was responsible. Two women were previously charged with the murder of the ninth victim, but police have not linked them to the other cases.
The investigation has been bolstered by the involvement of the Investigative Psychology Unit, which specializes in complex or serial violent crimes. Police have issued warnings for women to use caution in the area as the investigation continues.
Context of gender-based violence in South Africa
The recent spate of killings has intensified calls for action on gender-based violence in South Africa. The country has one of the highest rates of gender-based violence in the world, with an average of 15 women killed per day, according to reports.
The South African Human Rights Commission reported that 569 women were killed and 1,052 others survived attempted murder between April and June this year. The deaths have increased pressure on the national government, which declared gender-based violence a national disaster less than a year ago.
The community has expressed fear and anger over the deaths, with many questioning the safety of women in the region. Police continue to work to identify the cause of death for the 10th victim and determine if the killings are connected.
Sources and context
aljazeera.com — South African police discover body of 10th woman near Johannesburg
bbc.co.uk — Tenth woman's body found as South Africa police probe killings
cbsnews.com — Fears of serial killer rise in South Africa after body of 10th woman found
