The body of a seventh woman has been discovered in Ekurhuleni, adding to a series of deaths that has sparked alarm among residents and heightened concerns about women’s safety.
The body was found floating in a river in Clayville, near the Mall of Thembisa, on 7 September.
Acting Gauteng Police Commissioner Major-General Fred Kekana says the latest discovery will be included in the ongoing investigation into the deaths of women in the area.
“It is no more six bodies; this one will include it as the seventh body so that we don't leave anything,” Kekana said.
He said the woman was found without clothing, apart from her underwear, but cautioned against drawing conclusions about how she came to be in that condition.
“She was found naked but with her underwear on. I don't want to speculate whether clothes were taken by the river, the flow of the river, or what, but we included it now to be part of what we are going to look at,” he said.
The latest discovery brings the number of women’s bodies found in the area since July to seven, with four bodies reportedly discovered within the past few days.
The deaths have prompted renewed calls for urgent action, with residents expressing concern over the safety of women in Ekurhuleni.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has directed police to prioritise investigations into the deaths and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
Authorities are investigating whether there are links between the cases.
The series of killings has also fuelled fears among residents that a serial killer could be operating in the area, although police have not confirmed such a link.
Investigations are continuing.