President Cyril Ramaphosa orders urgent investigation as police probe deaths across Ekurhuleni
By Jagaban News |
| Police are investigating the deaths of seven women whose bodies were found in and around Ekurhuleni, east of Johannesburg. |
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has vowed that authorities will leave no stone unturned in investigating the deaths of seven women whose bodies have been discovered in and around Ekurhuleni, east of Johannesburg, over the past two months.
The latest discovery has intensified concern across the region and raised fears that the deaths could be connected. Police, however, have not confirmed that a single person is responsible for the killings and are still investigating whether the cases are linked.
The seventh body was discovered on Tuesday in the Kwa-Thema area, adding to a series of cases that have placed communities around Johannesburg's eastern outskirts on heightened alert. Another body found in a river in the area on September 7 has also been incorporated into the investigation.
The latest discovery has intensified concern across the region and raised fears that the deaths could be connected. Police, however, have not confirmed that a single person is responsible for the killings and are still investigating whether the cases are linked.
The seventh body was discovered on Tuesday in the Kwa-Thema area, adding to a series of cases that have placed communities around Johannesburg's eastern outskirts on heightened alert. Another body found in a river in the area on September 7 has also been incorporated into the investigation.
According to police, several of the victims were found partially clothed or naked and showed signs of violence. Some cases also showed indications of possible sexual violence. Most of the victims were reportedly young women in their 20s and 30s.
Ramaphosa orders urgent action
President Ramaphosa said he had spoken with South Africa's Police Minister and the Acting National Police Commissioner about the investigations.
He directed law enforcement agencies to prioritise the cases and work urgently to establish what happened to the women and identify those responsible.
The President also expressed condolences to the families and communities affected, saying the killings had created fear and uncertainty, particularly among women.
He called for cooperation from members of the public who may have information that could assist investigators.
South African police have increased resources dedicated to the investigation as concern grows over the similarities between some of the cases.
Authorities have issued warnings to women in affected communities and are examining the circumstances surrounding each death.
Police have not officially declared that a serial killer is responsible. However, the discovery of multiple bodies in the same broad area and similarities reported at several crime scenes have heightened fears of a possible connection.
Only two of the seven women had been formally identified according to an update from police reported on Tuesday, underscoring the difficulty investigators face in establishing the circumstances surrounding the deaths and notifying families.
The killings have renewed concerns over gender-based violence and women's safety in South Africa, a country that has long struggled with high levels of violence against women.
For families awaiting answers, however, the immediate priority remains identifying the victims, determining how they died and bringing anyone responsible to justice.
President Ramaphosa said the government would continue working with law enforcement and communities to ensure that the cases receive urgent attention.
As investigators work to establish whether the deaths are connected, authorities are urging anyone with information about the killings or missing relatives and friends to come forward.
The investigation remains ongoing, and police have yet to establish whether one perpetrator, multiple perpetrators or unrelated offenders are responsible for the deaths.