South Africa Police Investigate Nine Murdered Women Near Johannesburg
South African police are investigating a series of nine murdered women found mutilated near Johannesburg, sparking nationwide alarm and fears of a serial killer.
South African police announced the discovery of the ninth body of a murdered woman within about two months in the same area east of Johannesburg. The wave of murders, in which all victims were women in their 20s or 30s found mutilated, has sparked public outrage, with police suspecting one or more serial killers.
Investigation and Police Response
The first five bodies and the latest discovery were all found in Kempton Park, within the Ekurhuleni municipality, while others were located 25 to 35 kilometers away. Police have set up roadblocks in Kempton Park, and forensic experts in white protective suits were seen scanning the area as the latest victim's body lay by the roadside covered in a sheet.
"We cannot continue collecting bodies," Deputy National Police Commissioner Tebello Mosikili told reporters at the scene.
Widespread Violence and Public Alarm
South Africa suffers from one of the highest murder rates globally, with about 60 murders daily, and violence against women has reached epidemic proportions. Public interest surged last week after the body of 38-year-old Elizabeth "Tsonzu" Mosolakgomo was found behind a hotel; she had gone for a run and never returned. President Cyril Ramaphosa promised that "no effort will be spared" to solve the murders, while the police offered a reward of 400,000 rand for information leading to the arrest of the perpetrators.
