South Africa has reacted with outrage following the discovery of the body of a sixth woman in Ekurhuleni.
The latest victim was found on the side of a road in Kwa-Thema, Springs, on Tuesday morning. She was reportedly found partially clothed, raising concerns that she may have been sexually assaulted, similar to allegations surrounding some of the women whose bodies were discovered in the Kempton Park area over the past two months.
Police have yet to confirm whether the latest death is linked to the other cases.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has condemned the killings and called for swift action by law enforcement agencies.
“These incidents are causing fear and uncertainty in our communities, and especially among women,” the Presidency quoted Ramaphosa as saying.
“As government, we share the concerns of all South Africans, and we mourn the lives so cruelly taken away.
“Our law enforcement agencies are working urgently to establish the facts, keep communities safe, and bring the perpetrator or perpetrators to justice.”
Ramaphosa said he had spoken to Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia and the Acting National Police Commissioner, who briefed him on the investigations.
“I have spoken to the Minister of Police and the Acting National Police Commissioner, who have briefed me on the investigation. I have directed that these cases be prioritised and that no stone be left unturned in bringing those responsible to justice,” he said.
The President also urged members of the public to work with law enforcement agencies and provide any information that could help investigators.
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has criticised what it described as an inadequate response by law enforcement authorities to the killings.
The party said the only confirmed common factors so far were the location, the fact that the victims were women and reports that at least four of them had been raped.
“What is particularly disturbing about these deaths is that more than one woman’s body had reportedly been discovered in the area before there was a meaningful and comprehensive intervention by the South African Police Service (SAPS),” the EFF said.
The party said significant public attention followed the search for missing runner Elizabeth ‘Tsontso’ Moselakgomo, whose body was later identified as the fourth victim.
Moselakgomo disappeared after going for an afternoon jog, prompting a large search operation. Her body was found over the weekend and was positively identified by her family on Wednesday.
The EFF said the case had heightened concerns about the possibility of a serial killer operating in the area, although police have not confirmed that the cases are connected.
Meanwhile, the African Transformation Movement (ATM) has renewed its call for the reinstatement of the death penalty for the most serious crimes.
The party argued that prison sentences were not sufficient punishment for crimes such as murder and rape.
“These killings are a brutal reminder of why the ATM has consistently called for the reinstatement of the death penalty for the most heinous crimes,” the party said.
“When women are raped, murdered and discarded with such cruelty, the country cannot continue pretending that the current punishment regime is sufficient.”
The ATM said it remained committed to its position that serial murder, rape and murder, and the deliberate killing of innocent people should attract the harshest possible punishment.
As investigations continue, authorities face growing pressure to establish whether the deaths are connected, identify those responsible and reassure communities, particularly women, who fear for their safety.