South African police have discovered the body of another woman in Ekurhuleni, east of Johannesburg, bringing the number of women found dead in the municipality in the past two months to 10.
The latest discovery has heightened concerns over violence against women in the country, as authorities investigate whether the killings are connected.
Police said the body was found in Tembisa township on Saturday.
“At this stage, we can only confirm the discovery of the body. Crime scene management and all the necessary role players are currently on the scene,” police spokesperson, Brigadier Brenda Muridili, said.
Local television station eNCA reported that the woman’s semi-naked body was discovered at a cemetery.
The nine other victims were mostly women in their 20s and 30s. Some were reportedly found stripped of their clothes and with signs of sexual assault.
The first victim, a 37-year-old woman, was found naked and bound with cable ties on July 15. Police arrested a suspect two days later.
Two other suspects, women aged 31 and 38, were arrested in connection with the ninth victim and charged on Monday.
Police said the case involving the ninth victim may have been linked to a relationship-related matter.
Authorities are yet to establish whether the 10 deaths are connected or whether a serial killer or group of killers is involved.
The discoveries have renewed concerns over gender-based violence in South Africa, where violence against women remains a major national problem despite years of government efforts to tackle it.
South Africa, with a population of about 62 million, also has one of the world’s highest murder rates, recording more than 60 killings daily on average, according to available figures.
The investigation into the latest death is ongoing.
