South African police have launched an investigation into the deaths of seven women whose bodies were discovered in and around Ekurhuleni, east of Johannesburg, over the past two months.
The killings have triggered widespread concern, with some of the victims found naked or partially clothed and showing signs of possible sexual violence.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has pledged that authorities will pursue the investigation thoroughly, saying “no stone will be left unturned” in efforts to establish what happened to the women and bring those responsible to justice.
Most of the victims were reportedly in their 20s and 30s. One of them was identified as a woman who went missing after leaving her home for an afternoon run.
Police are investigating whether the deaths are connected and whether they were carried out by a single perpetrator, multiple suspects or possibly copycat criminals.
Authorities have yet to establish a motive for the killings.
Some of the bodies were found without clothes, while others were partially clothed. One victim’s body was reportedly already decomposing when it was discovered.
The deaths have prompted condemnation from civil society groups and sporting organisations, renewing concerns over violence against women in South Africa.
Violence against women remains one of the country’s most persistent social problems despite successive government initiatives and commitments aimed at tackling the crisis.
The latest killings have also heightened public concern over violent crime more broadly as South Africa prepares for municipal elections in November.
Official crime statistics show that South Africa continues to record one of the world’s highest murder rates, with an average of about 60 killings reported each day.
The persistent level of violent crime has remained a major source of public anger and insecurity, while the latest deaths have placed renewed pressure on police and government authorities to strengthen measures protecting women and bring perpetrators of gender-based violence to justice.
