South African police have warned of the possible presence of a serial killer in the area after the discovery of the bodies of seven women in the same region of a major city. The latest body was found on Tuesday in eastern Yozang, marking the seventh victim in the past two months.
Consequences of the Discovery of Bodies
South African officials have stated that these cases appear to be linked, but have not yet confirmed whether they were all committed by a single killer. The South African Police Service (SAPS) has advised women to exercise caution when engaging in activities such as running in this area.
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Atlen Da Mat, a police spokesperson, said: “While investigations are ongoing and SAPS has not confirmed at this stage that these deaths are linked to a serial killer, the similarities are concerning enough that the police have issued a public warning and intensified their investigations.”
Presidential Actions
Cyril Ramaphosa, the President of South Africa, has instructed police officials to prioritize the ongoing murder investigations. He stated: “I have directed that no stone be left unturned in bringing those responsible to justice. Our law enforcement agencies are working on this alongside citizens, and we need their information to put an end to these attacks on women.”
The latest victim was found in the Kwa-Thema area, about 34 kilometers from Kempton Park. She was discovered naked and in an advanced state of decomposition. This incident occurred just one day after a body was found in Elifantsine and three days after the body of a 38-year-old woman who had gone missing in Kempton Park was discovered.
Elizabeth “Tsontso” Muslakgomo had gone missing while jogging, and her disappearance prompted a significant search effort by both police and the community until her semi-naked body was found.
Concerns about violent crimes in South Africa, particularly against women and children, have long existed. According to the latest statistics, the country recorded 5,427 murders between April and July, averaging 45 murders per day.
Femicides in South Africa are among the highest in the world. A study in 2022 revealed that over 35% of adult women in South Africa have experienced physical or sexual violence at some point in their lives.
The Gender Equality Commission has called for immediate preventive action, including conducting a safety audit in affected areas in collaboration with police, local authorities, transport officials, and community safety structures.
The commission stated that this audit should include assessments of lighting, surveillance, pedestrian pathways, public transport, neglected spaces, police visibility, and access to emergency assistance.
Javo Baloyi, a spokesperson for the commission, said: “Women should not be killed for drawing attention to an area.”
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Source: independent.co.uk
