South African authorities have confirmed the death of another woman in Ekurhuleni, bringing to nine the number of female bodies discovered across the area within two months.
The latest victim, believed to be in her 30s, was found on Thursday morning in Dawn Park.
Police said she was partially unclothed and covered with a sheet beside a roadway. Her name has not yet been established.
The discovery follows eight similar cases recorded in Ekurhuleni since July.
Some victims were found with little clothing and visible injuries, prompting growing anxiety among residents.
However, investigators have cautioned against concluding that the cases are connected.
Police have also not confirmed that a serial offender is responsible for the deaths.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has pledged a thorough investigation, saying authorities would leave no stone unturned to identify those responsible for the killings, which he said had created fear and uncertainty within communities.
One of the victims was 38-year-old Elizabeth “Tsontso” Moselakgomo, who vanished after leaving her home for an afternoon run.
Her remains were discovered three days later behind a hotel in Kempton Park.
Other women identified include Itumeleng Kekana, who had been missing since July, and 38-year-old Dineo Evelyn Motapane, whose body was found beside a road in KwaThema on Tuesday.
The first case in the current series was recorded in Kempton Park on July 15.
A man was detained two days later in relation to that investigation and remains in custody, although detectives have not associated him with the subsequent cases.
Additional bodies were located during August and September in places including Kempton Park, Olifantsfontein, Clayville and KwaThema.
Local reports said the latest victim had bruising and apparent stab injuries.
The incidents have heightened concern among residents, especially women who say they are increasingly afraid to move around their neighbourhoods.
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi said authorities were determined to confront those responsible, while police have established a specialised team involving detectives, intelligence personnel, forensic specialists and other experts.
Investigators are examining possible connections between the cases and are also pursuing a person of interest, although officials have not revealed which investigation may involve that individual.
Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia has urged the public to avoid speculation, describing the cases, at present, as apparently separate incidents.
Police have advised women to exercise caution, particularly when travelling alone or using secluded routes.
They have also encouraged people to inform trusted contacts of their movements, stay alert to unfamiliar individuals and vehicles, and avoid using earphones at high volume while walking.
Authorities have announced a 400,000-rand ($24,000) reward for information that could assist in securing arrests.
Families with missing relatives have also been asked to cooperate with efforts to identify unidentified victims.
The latest incidents have intensified concerns over gender-based violence in South Africa, where women face disproportionately high levels of lethal violence.
UN Women estimates that the country’s female homicide rate is about five times the global average.
In November last year, South Africa declared violence against women a national disaster following nationwide demonstrations linked to a major online campaign.
By: Magdalene Agyeiwaa Sarpong