Three held over woman’s murder as South Africa police investigate eight other body finds

Three individuals have been arrested in South Africa in connection with the murder of Jabulile Ntimba, whose body was found in Dawn Park east of Johannesburg. This marks the arrest of the last of nine recent cases in the region, prompting authorities to view the arrests as a "breakthrough" in solving the series of murders. Police have described the apprehension of the three suspects - a man and two women - as a significant development.

Acting police chief Lt Gen Puleng Dimpane stated that officers are working tirelessly to bring those responsible to justice.

The three suspects are scheduled to appear in court on Monday. The investigation into the deaths of the recent victims is ongoing, with police stressing that they have not yet determined whether all the cases are linked or if a serial killer is responsible. Deputy police chief Lt Gen Tebello Mosikili mentioned that analysts are diligently examining potential connections between the cases, hinting at the possibility of a murder stemming from a relationship, including the prospect of a love triangle.

South Africa is grappling with an alarming rate of gender-based violence and a high murder rate, with an estimated six women murdered daily between April and June this year, according to the Human Rights Commission. The recent grim discoveries have ignited a national outcry over the issue, intensifying the feeling of insecurity among many women.