South African Police Service (SAPS) is investigating the deaths of eight women found in East Johannesburg over the past two months. The latest body was discovered on Tuesday, adding to a previous case in this extensive investigation.
Concerns About a Serial Killer
The deaths of these women have raised concerns about the potential existence of a serial killer or a group of killers in the area. Several victims were found naked or semi-naked, and some showed signs of sexual violence.
Firoz Kachalia, the Acting Minister of Police in South Africa, stated after a meeting to discuss these murders: "The challenge ahead is ours, and the deaths of these young women must not be in vain."
Public Warning and Increased Investigations
The police have advised women in the area to exercise greater caution when running or engaging in similar activities. Atsa Landa Mat, police spokesperson, stated: "While investigations continue and the police have not confirmed at this stage that the deaths are linked to a serial killer, the similarities are concerning enough that the police have issued a public warning and intensified investigations."
Cyril Ramaphosa, the President of South Africa, also ordered on Tuesday that investigations be prioritized, stating that the deaths have caused "fear and uncertainty" and promised that "no stone will be left unturned."
The bodies have been discovered at several locations in the Ekurhuleni municipality, east of Johannesburg. The first victim, a 37-year-old woman, was found naked with cable ties on July 15. Two days later, a suspect was arrested. A 32-year-old woman was also found semi-naked on August 24.
One of the victims, a 38-year-old woman, went missing after leaving her eight-year-old daughter home alone, and her semi-naked body was found on September 12 behind a hotel.
The crimes occur amid a long-standing problem of violence against women in South Africa, which, according to United Nations reports, has one of the highest rates of violence against women and children.
