Police Investigate Deaths of Eight Women Near Johannesburg

Over the past two months, South African police have discovered the bodies of eight women in areas east of Johannesburg, raising alarms about femicide in the country. The victims, aged between 20 and 38, were found either naked or partially clothed, with visible bruises.

The first body was located on July 17, bound with cable ties. Among the victims is 38-year-old runner Elizabeth "Tsontso" Moselakgomo, who went missing after a jog; her daughter reported her absence.

The police have arrested a suspect believed to be Moselakgomo's boyfriend. Gauteng provincial commissioner Fred Kekana stated that investigators are exploring the possibility of multiple suspects or separate perpetrators.

Most bodies were found near Kempton Park, with others discovered in Olifantsfontein and Kwa-Thema. The latest body was found in Dawn Park, marking the ninth victim.

The deaths have intensified focus on South Africa's high rates of gender-based violence, with recent statistics indicating 5,427 murders from April to July.