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South African police have discovered the body of a ninth woman in Ekurhuleni, east of Johannesburg, as investigators probe a series of women’s deaths reported across the area since July.
The latest victim was found partially naked and wrapped in a sheet in Dawn Park on Thursday morning, according to police and local media reports as reported by the BBC. Her identity has not yet been released.
Police have cautioned against speculation that the deaths are linked, saying a multidisciplinary team of investigators and specialists is working to establish the circumstances surrounding each case.
The discovery follows the deaths of eight other women whose bodies were found in different parts of Ekurhuleni over the past two months.
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Authorities have not established whether the cases are connected or whether a single perpetrator is responsible. One suspect is in custody in connection with one of the earlier killings, but police have not linked that suspect to the other deaths.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has directed police to prioritise the investigations and pledged that “no stone will be left unturned” in efforts to identify those responsible.
Among the identified victims is 38-year-old Elizabeth “Tsontso” Moselakgomo, who disappeared after leaving her home for an afternoon run. Her body was later found behind a hotel in the Kempton Park area.
Another victim, 38-year-old Dineo Evelyn Motapane, was found beside a road in KwaThema, Springs, on Tuesday and was identified by her family the following day. Police said she had last been seen alive on Sunday.
Itumeleng Kekana, who had been missing since July, has also been identified as one of the victims.
The first of the nine bodies was discovered in Kempton Park on July 15. A suspect was arrested two days later in connection with that case and remains in custody, while investigations into the other deaths continue.
Police have increased patrols in affected areas and appealed to the public to provide information that could assist investigators.
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