Ninth Woman’s Body Found in South Africa as Police Hunt Suspected Serial Killer

South African police have confirmed the discovery of a ninth woman’s body in Ekurhuleni, east of Johannesburg, deepening fears that a serial killer is operating in the area.

All nine bodies have been found in the municipality over the past two months, with police saying similarities in the killings are “sufficiently concerning” to warrant a public warning.

Provincial police commissioner Fred Kekana said a passerby found the latest victim near a construction site in Dawn Park on Thursday morning and alerted police.

The unidentified woman appeared to be about 30 years old and had an apparent stab wound to her side, while her throat appeared to have been cut. Forensic investigators have not yet determined the official cause of death.

Kekana said police had not established whether her death was linked to the other cases and appealed for information.

He also urged people not to circulate photographs of the bodies or unverified reports on social media, warning they were spreading fear and could encourage copycat crimes.

The discoveries have sent shock waves across the country and sparked a high-level investigation.

Bodies have so far been found across several Ekurhuleni communities, including Kempton Park, Pomona, Clayville, Olifantsfontein, Rhodesfield, KwaThema and Dawn Park.

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi said police were making progress in two or three cases, though he did not provide details. He urged the public to give investigators time to gather sufficient evidence.

“They’ve declared war against the state. We’ll respond,” Lesufi told reporters at the scene. “We’re not going to surrender.”

President Cyril Ramaphosa extended his deepest condolences to the families and friends of the victims, saying the nation stands with them.

“We mourn with you. Your loss is our loss. These killings have disturbed our nation and brought fear and uncertainty into our communities,” he said.

Ramaphosa said he had directed that no stone be left unturned in bringing those responsible to justice.

“I have directed that we use every means at our disposal, including the latest surveillance technology, to track down the perpetrators and stop these crimes,” he said.

Residents of Dawn Park expressed their fear and frustration at the discovery.

“I hope the government can assist us by arresting the person or people who have been committing these killings, because the current situation is becoming unbearable. We don’t know what’s to happen next,” said resident Nomgqibelo Tshabalala.

Missing In Southern Africa, an organisation supporting missing people and their families, urged communities to report suspected missing persons immediately.

“There is no waiting period to report a missing person,” it said. “The moment you suspect that someone is missing, report it immediately to the South African Police Service.”

Women’s rights advocates, political parties and civil society organisations marched to Kempton Park Police Station on Thursday, demanding stronger measures to protect women and children and hold perpetrators accountable.

A coalition representing more than 1,000 faith leaders, activists and partner organisations called for tougher action against gender-based violence.

“Too often, silence from the pulpit has stood in for the courage to name gender-based violence directly,” it said. “That silence must end.”

Police have offered a reward for information leading to arrests, while the DA has announced a further reward for information leading to successful prosecution.

A multidisciplinary team of experts, including detectives from the Investigative Psychology Unit, is investigating.