Eight women were found dead near Johannesburg within two months, igniting widespread fear and anger throughout South Africa. Police are urgently investigating possible connections but have not confirmed a serial killer's involvement yet.
Several deaths of women in South Africa have alarmed the public. Over the past two months, eight women aged between 20 and 38 were found dead around Johannesburg. Police are investigating whether the cases are linked after noting similarities in the victims' conditions and locations. Most bodies were found nude or partially clothed with bruises, but authorities have not confirmed serial killings.
The first body was discovered on 17 July, naked and bound with cable ties. Police have arrested a suspect believed to be the victim's boyfriend, who is currently in custody.
The most recent identified victim is 38-year-old female runner Elizabeth "Sonzo" Moselakgomo, who disappeared last week after going for her usual afternoon run. Her daughter alerted the family when she did not return home, and her body was later found.
The first five bodies were found in Kempton Park, east of Johannesburg, while later bodies were discovered in Olifantsfontein and Kwa-Thema, about 25 and 34 kilometers from Kempton Park, respectively.
The cases’ similarities and the proximity of the locations have caused significant public concern, especially regarding women's safety.
However, Gauteng provincial officials caution it is too early to conclude that all eight deaths were caused by a single perpetrator or to classify them as serial killings. Police continue to examine evidence and possible links between the cases.
Local residents organized a running event to protest femicide and to honor Elizabeth and the other victims, calling for greater societal awareness of threats women face.
A community leader said that when participants were asked if they had ever felt unsafe while running or altered their routes fearing someone was following them, nearly everyone raised their hands.
Latest crime statistics show South Africa recorded 5,427 murders from April to July this year, averaging about 45 per day. The United Nations gender equality agency ranks South Africa among countries with the highest femicide rates worldwide.
. Source:AP
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