South African police have announced a R400,000 ($24,400) reward for information leading to the arrest of those responsible for the deaths of nine women whose bodies have been discovered at different locations in Ekurhuleni, Gauteng.
Acting National Police Commissioner Puleng Dimpane announced the reward during a media briefing on Tuesday, saying it was intended to strengthen efforts to identify and apprehend those responsible.
The latest victim, the ninth woman, was found dead on Tuesday morning, according to the police.
The discovery of nine bodies within about two months has prompted a high-level investigation and renewed concerns over femicide and violent crime in South Africa.
Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia said a multidisciplinary team had been established to investigate the deaths.
“We will leave no stone unturned” in efforts to bring those responsible to justice, Cachalia said, adding that the investigation would be led by the deputy provincial commissioner.
Police said they had not established whether the deaths were connected and would not treat them as linked cases until investigations provided evidence to support such a conclusion.
However, authorities said information from the public could assist investigators in establishing what happened to the victims and identifying those responsible.
Police have also appealed to members of the public to provide any information that could assist the investigation.
Authorities have advised women to exercise caution and avoid walking or exercising alone, particularly in isolated areas, as investigations continue.
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