Police probe possible links after 10th woman’s body found near Johannesburg
The discovery in Thembisa brings to 10 the number of women’s bodies found in Ekurhuleni since mid-July. Investigators have not established whether the cases are connected.
South African police are investigating the discovery of a woman’s body in Thembisa, Ekurhuleni, the 10th female body found near Johannesburg since mid-July. Police confirmed the discovery on Saturday; the woman’s identity and age have not been released.
Provincial police chief Tommy Mthombeni said the woman appeared to have been stoned to death. A post-mortem examination is planned to establish the cause. Police have not said whether she was clothed.
Investigators are examining whether any of the deaths are connected. Mthombeni said some killings shared similarities, but there was no conclusive evidence that the same person or group was responsible.
Two women were charged last week over the ninth victim’s death. Police said that case may have stemmed from a relationship-related matter, and Mthombeni described it as apparently isolated.
The discoveries have raised concern amid high levels of violence against women in South Africa. The report says the country has one of the world’s highest femicide rates, averaging 15 women killed each day.
