Tenth Woman Found Dead Near Johannesburg as Serial Killer Probe Intensifies

South African police announced Saturday that another woman’s body had been discovered near Johannesburg, bringing the total number of victims to 10 in a series of killings under investigation.

The probe began after three women were found dead in July and August within approximately 7 kilometers (4.3 miles) of each other in the Ekurhuleni municipality, east of Johannesburg.

Earlier this month, six bodies were discovered in Ekurhuleni over 10 days, raising fears that a serial killer or killers were responsible.

Two women were arrested and charged last week with murder in connection with the ninth body, found on September 17. The victim had been stabbed and had her throat cut, police said. The suspects were not linked to any of the other killings.

Provincial police commissioner Lt. Gen. Tommy Mthombeni told state broadcaster SABC on Saturday that investigators believed the ninth killing was an isolated case but could not rule out the possibility that some of the other cases were linked.

Police have identified similarities in some of the killings but said they had not found conclusive evidence that the same person or people were responsible.

All nine bodies discovered before Saturday were those of women in their 20s or 30s, according to police. Several were naked or partially clothed and left in open areas near main roads. Officers from the Investigative Psychology Unit, which specializes in complex or serial violent crimes, are part of the investigation.

Police released limited details about the 10th body, which was found early Saturday, and did not immediately identify the victim.

“We can only confirm the discovery of the body,” the South African Police Service said in a statement. “Crime scene management and all the necessary role players are currently on the scene.”

South Africa has high rates of violent crime and violence against women. The killings in Ekurhuleni have sparked a national outcry over women’s safety.

Source link