Ninth woman's body found as South African police investigate string of deaths

A ninth woman's body has been discovered in South Africa within two months, sparking concern over a series of unexplained deaths east of Johannesburg. The latest victim was found on Thursday morning in Dawn Park, wrapped in a sheet and half-naked. Her identity has not been released. This follows the deaths of eight other women since July across Ekurhuleni, a major urban area near Johannesburg.

Police have not established whether all the deaths are connected or if a serial killer is responsible. President Cyril Ramaphosa has vowed to investigate thoroughly, emphasizing that no stone will be left unturned. Among the victims is 38-year-old Elizabeth Tsontso Moselakgomo, whose body was found three days after she disappeared during a jog.

Two other victims identified are Itumeleng Kekana and Dineo Evelyn Motapane. The first discovered body was in Kempton Park on July 15. A suspect was arrested two days later but has not been linked to the other deaths. Police have assembled a multidisciplinary team to investigate and have offered a 400,000 rand reward for information leading to arrests.

Authorities are not linking the deaths to a serial killer yet, but are exploring the possibility of a group responsible.