South African authorities are investigating the deaths of nine women whose bodies have been discovered in the Ekurhuleni municipality, east of Johannesburg, over the past two months.
The latest victim was found on Thursday morning in Dawn Park, Boksburg. The woman, believed to be in her 30s, was reportedly found half-naked and wrapped in a sheet.
Police said they have not established any connection between the nine cases but are investigating whether they could involve one perpetrator, multiple suspects or possible copycat crimes.
South African Police Service spokesperson Athlenda Mathe said the investigation was complex and that detectives were working to determine whether the killings were linked.
The deaths have renewed concerns about South Africa’s femicide and gender-based violence crisis. Princess Eurika Mogane of the Commission for Gender Equality described the situation as a serious threat to women, saying it feels as though women are being hunted.
Rights organisations have also criticised safety advice urging women to avoid walking or running alone and stay away from isolated areas. They argue that such measures place too much responsibility on women rather than addressing the perpetrators and strengthening state protection.
Among the victims was 38-year-old Elizabeth Moselakgomo, a mother and runner who disappeared on September 9 after leaving home for her usual evening run. Her eight-year-old daughter raised the alarm when she failed to return, and Moselakgomo’s body was discovered three days later.
South Africa declared gender-based violence and femicide a national disaster in November 2025. Parliament has said the country’s femicide rate is five times the global average.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has pledged that perpetrators will be brought to justice, while authorities say police patrols have been increased in high-risk areas.
However, women’s rights groups continue to raise concerns about inadequate shelter funding, limited capacity, delays in police responses and difficulties enforcing protection orders.
The National Shelter Movement of South Africa said many survivors face difficult choices when attempting to leave abusive relationships, including finding safe accommodation, financial support, healthcare, childcare and police protection.
The South African government had not responded to Al Jazeera’s questions about measures taken since the national disaster declaration by the time of publication.
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