South Africa Arrests Three Suspects Over Killing of Ninth Woman

South African police have arrested three suspects in connection with the killing of a woman whose body was found in Kempton Park, east of Johannesburg.

The arrest followed the discovery of the bodies of nine women over a period of two months, raising concerns that a serial killer or group of killers could be responsible.

Two women, aged 31 and 38, appeared before the Boksburg Magistrate Court on Monday. They were charged with murder, perverting the course of justice and possession of a dangerous weapon.

The victim, identified as Jabulile Ntimba, was found partly clothed by the roadside on September 17. Police said the two women allegedly knew the deceased and were with her on the night she was killed.

A male suspect, who is the brother of one of the women, was also arrested but was not charged due to insufficient evidence at this stage.

The National Prosecuting Authority said the two women would return to court on October 1 for a bail hearing.

Police Deputy National Commissioner Tebello Mosikili said the murder may have been linked to a relationship dispute, including a possible love triangle.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has pledged additional resources and technology to combat violence against women and ensure that those responsible for the killings are brought to justice.

Police said they would not rush the investigations simply to make arrests, stressing the need to establish the facts and secure justice for the victims and their families.

Meanwhile, another woman was found dead on Sunday in Soweto, south of Johannesburg. Her body had been wrapped in a duvet and dumped near a dam.

Police also reported that two suspected serial rapists are expected to appear in court in KwaZulu-Natal. A 46-year-old man has reportedly been linked by DNA to 16 rape cases in Durban, while a 36-year-old man has been linked to at least 14 cases across two provinces.

South Africa continues to face high levels of gender-based violence, with the country recording more than 60 murders per day on average, according to the report.

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