South African police have intensified investigations in and around Kempton Park following the discovery of the body of an eighth woman in Ekurhuleni, east of Johannesburg.
The latest death was reported in KwaThema, adding to a series of killings that have heightened concerns among women and residents across the area.
Police have established a specialist task team to investigate the deaths and are preparing intensified operations, including a planned lockdown of Kempton Park and surrounding communities as detectives work to determine whether the cases are connected.
Authorities, however, said they have yet to establish a link between all eight deaths and urged the public to refrain from speculation while investigations are ongoing.
Police have appealed to residents with information that could assist the investigation to come forward. They have also advised women to avoid walking or exercising alone, particularly in isolated locations.
The deaths have sparked growing anxiety in local communities, with residents calling for increased police visibility and protection.
Authorities have announced a 400,000-rand reward for information that could lead to arrests as efforts to identify those responsible continue.
