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South African police have discovered the body of another woman east of Johannesburg, bringing to 10 the number of female bodies found near the city since mid-July, according to Al Jazeera, AFP and AP.
Police confirmed the discovery in Thembisa, in Ekurhuleni, on Saturday. The body was found in the morning, The Sowetan newspaper reported.
Police examine possible links between killings
Provincial police chief Tommy Mthombeni said the latest victim appeared to have been stoned to death. A post-mortem examination will be conducted to establish the cause of death.
“We have put highly capable investigators on this case,” Mthombeni told reporters at the scene, promising to identify those responsible.
Police are investigating whether the killings are connected, amid concern in local communities that one person or group may be responsible. Mthombeni told South African Broadcasting Corporation that investigators believed the killing of the ninth woman was an isolated relationship-related case, although some of the other deaths could be linked.
He said several murders had similarities but stressed that there was no conclusive evidence indicating that the same person or group was responsible.
President condemns latest discovery
President Cyril Ramaphosa acknowledged the discovery while campaigning ahead of upcoming local elections, broadcaster eNCA reported.
“I’ve sadly heard about 10th body of a woman found in Thembisa,” Ramaphosa said. “This continues to make us very sad, and in many ways, it’s a shame on the men of South Africa that we continue to kill the women of our beautiful country.”
South Africa has one of the world’s highest femicide rates, with an average of 15 women killed each day.
Details of victims remain under investigation
Two women were charged last week with the murder of the woman whose body was the ninth to be discovered. Police said that case may have resulted from a relationship-related dispute.
Police found three bodies in July and August within six kilometres of one another in Ekurhuleni. Earlier this month, six bodies were discovered in the area over a 10-day period.
Before the latest discovery, all the deceased women were believed to be in their 20s or 30s. Several were found completely or partially nude. Police have not confirmed the 10th victim’s age or whether she was clothed.
The first body, found in mid-July, was naked and had been restrained with cable ties. The woman’s boyfriend was later arrested, but no charges were filed.
