Police have confirmed the discovery of a ninth woman’s body in Dawn Park, Ekurhuleni, adding to growing concern over a series of women’s deaths across the metro.
The latest victim’s body was found semi-naked and wrapped in a sheet. Further details about where and when the body was discovered have not yet been established.
Police have not released the woman’s identity, age or cause of death. It is also unclear whether the Dawn Park case is connected to any of the other deaths under investigation.
The discovery brings the reported number of women’s bodies found across Ekurhuleni since July to nine.
Three victims previously identified
Before the latest discovery, three of the eight women had been formally identified.
They are Elizabeth “Tsontso” Moselakgomo, 38, whose body was found in Rhodesfield after she disappeared while out for a routine run; Itumeleng Kekana, 32, whose body was discovered in Pomona; and Dineo Evelyn Motapane, 38, whose body was found beside a road in KwaThema, Springs.
Motapane’s family positively identified her body at the Springs Mortuary on Wednesday, 16 September.
Police have cautioned against assuming that all the deaths are connected. Investigators are examining the circumstances surrounding each case to determine whether any involve the same perpetrator or perpetrators.
Investigations intensify
The deaths have prompted intensified police investigations involving detectives, forensic specialists and other specialised units
Acting Police Minister Professor Firoz Cachalia previously announced a R400,000 reward for information leading to an arrest, while the Democratic Alliance offered an additional R500,000 for information that could assist the investigation.
Police have also announced intensified operations in Kempton Park.
The discovery in Dawn Park adds another case to the investigation, with authorities yet to establish how the woman died and whether her death is linked to any of the previous cases.
Further information is awaited from police.
