South African police are working urgently to solve the murders of at least seven women whose bodies have been discovered east of Johannesburg over two months, with the most recent found on Tuesday.
The nation has one of the highest homicide rates globally, but the discovery of the women’s bodies, partly naked and badly beaten, has triggered new alarm and fueled fears that a serial killer or a group of killers could be active in the region.
Police said five bodies were found in the Ekurhuleni municipality within a single week.
“We are still investigating whether we are dealing with one perpetrator or a group of men that are behind the murders of these women,” police spokeswoman Athlenda Mathe said, describing the discoveries as “concerning.”
South African police are working urgently to solve the murders of at least seven women whose bodies have been discovered east of Johannesburg over two months, with the most recent found on Tuesday.
The nation has one of the highest homicide rates globally, but the discovery of the women’s bodies, partly naked and badly beaten, has triggered new alarm and fueled fears that a serial killer or a group of killers could be active in the region.
Police said five bodies were found in the Ekurhuleni municipality within a single week.
The fourth victim was 38-year-old Elizabeth Moselakgomo, who went jogging after leaving her eight-year-old daughter at home and never came back. Police said her body was discovered behind a hotel on September 12.
After Moselakgomo vanished, fellow runners started a social media campaign to locate her, drawing public attention and ultimately leading to the discovery of additional bodies.
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On Tuesday, President Cyril Ramaphosa stated that “no stone will be left unturned” in solving the killings, and he acknowledged that “these incidents are causing fear and uncertainty in our communities, and especially among women.”
Acting police minister Firoz Cachalia called the discovery of the bodies “deeply disturbing.”
Amnesty International South Africa described the discovery of the bodies as “just another horrific reminder that women in South Africa are not safe.”
According to UN Women, South Africa, with its population of 62 million, has among the highest rates of violence against women and children anywhere in the world.
Every day in South Africa, at least 60 people are killed, with many of these deaths connected to turf wars between gangs involved in drugs and illegal mining.
