Woman’s Body Found in Ekurhuleni as Death Toll Reaches 11

Police in South Africa say the discovery of a woman’s body in an open field has brought the number of women found dead in Ekurhuleni over 10 weeks to 11.

The discovery of another woman’s body in Ekurhuleni, east of Johannesburg, has brought the number of women found dead in the municipality over the past 10 weeks to 11.

Police said the latest victim was found in an open field shortly after midday. A vehicle operated by a security company spotted the body while passing through the area and alerted authorities.

The woman’s identity, age and cause of death had not been established, according to the available information.

Separate investigation underway

The latest discovery came one day after police were called to another scene in Ekurhuleni, where a woman’s body was found near a cemetery.

Tommy Mthombeni, the provincial police chief, said the woman found near the cemetery appeared to have been killed with stones. A post-mortem examination was expected to determine the precise cause of death.

Police said a man linked to the cemetery killing was arrested almost 400 kilometres away after leaving the area. The arrest brought the number of people in custody in connection with the series of killings to four.

Authorities have stressed that the cases have not been formally connected. They are being handled individually while forensic examinations and investigations continue. Police have not said whether the deaths involved a common perpetrator or motive.

Growing concern over violence against women

Eight of the 11 bodies were discovered during the month covered by the report. Police said several of the victims were found partially or completely undressed, while some showed indications of sexual assault. Most of the other victims were women in their 20s and 30s.

The killings have drawn public attention amid South Africa’s continuing struggle with violence against women. The issue has been declared a national crisis despite repeated government initiatives.

Figures from the Gender-Based Violence Command Centre showed that it received 6,782 distress calls between September 1 and 16. That amounted to more than 400 calls a day and represented a 21 percent increase compared with the same period in August.

Investigators are awaiting forensic findings as they work to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths.