Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi says authorities will intensify efforts to bring those responsible to justice following the discovery of the ninth woman’s body in Ekurhuleni.
The body of a woman believed to be around 30 years old was found partially clothed and wrapped in a sheet in Dawn Park on Thursday morning. Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding her death and have indicated that preliminary information suggests she may have been killed elsewhere before her body was dumped at the scene.
The latest discovery brings the number of women whose bodies have been found across Ekurhuleni since July to nine. Police have assembled a multidisciplinary team to investigate the cases and determine whether they are linked.
Speaking at the scene, Lesufi said the provincial government would not back down in its efforts to find those responsible.
“Someone has declared war against us and we will push back,” Lesufi said.
He said investigators were working around the clock and had already gathered evidence that could assist with the investigation.
Lesufi said he was confident in the multidisciplinary team and urged the public to give investigators the necessary space to build their cases.
Meanwhile, Gauteng acting police commissioner Major General Fred Kekana said police had received a significant amount of information from the public.
He said investigators were following up on each piece of information that could assist in identifying the perpetrators and establishing whether the deaths are connected.
Kekana also appealed to members of the public to stop circulating old photographs of bodies on social media, warning that the images could cause unnecessary fear and confusion.
Police continue to appeal for information that could assist with the investigation.