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South African Police have confirmed the discovery of a ninth woman’s body in Ekurhuleni, east of Johannesburg, as investigations continue into a series of killings that have heightened concerns across the region.
The latest body was found in bushes in Boksburg, on Thursday morning, according to police. Gauteng Acting Provincial Commissioner Major General Fred Kekana said preliminary indications suggested the woman may have been killed elsewhere before her body was dumped at the scene.
Police are currently at the scene, while detectives are searching the area for evidence and information that could help establish the circumstances surrounding the woman’s death.
The latest discovery brings to nine the number of women whose bodies have been found across the City of Ekurhuleni since July. Police have not confirmed that all the deaths are connected, although investigators are examining similarities between the cases.
The development comes a day after police confirmed the identity of the eighth victim, 38-year-old Dineo Evelyn Motapane.
Motapane’s family positively identified her body at the Springs Mortuary on Wednesday afternoon. Police said she was last seen alive on Sunday and had not yet been reported missing when her body was discovered on the side of a road in KwaThema, Springs.
The deaths have caused widespread concern in South Africa, with authorities intensifying efforts to establish who is responsible.
Police have cautioned against concluding that a serial killer is behind the deaths, saying investigations have not established whether the cases involve a single perpetrator, multiple perpetrators or unrelated crimes.
On Tuesday, Acting National Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Puleng Dimpane announced a R400,000 reward for information that could lead to arrests in connection with the killings.
A specialised multidisciplinary team has also been deployed to investigate the cases.
Police have increased their presence and patrols in affected areas, while investigators are working with crime intelligence and other law-enforcement units.
The South African Police Service has also called on communities to provide information that could assist the investigation.
The killings have renewed concerns over violence against women in South Africa, a country that continues to grapple with high levels of violent crime and gender-based violence.
The discovery of the bodies has also prompted calls for stronger protection for women and urgent action by authorities.
Police investigations into the latest death in Dawn Park are ongoing.
