Fear is growing in communities east of Johannesburg after police found the body of another woman.
The discovery on Tuesday is the seventh reported case involving a woman found dead in the area over the past two months.
The developments have sparked speculation about a possible serial killer.
South African police, however, are yet to confirm such a link.
Instead, investigators say they are examining the circumstances surrounding each death.
New Discovery Raises Concern
The latest victim was found in Kwa-Thema.
Police said the body was discovered in an advanced stage of decomposition.
The woman was reportedly found without clothes.
Another woman’s body was discovered in Olifantsontein on Monday.
The two discoveries have added to concerns among residents.
Police are now working to determine whether the cases share common factors.
SAPS Issues Public Warning
The South African Police Service has responded by increasing its investigations.
It has also issued a warning to women in the affected communities.
Women have been urged to exercise caution when jogging or carrying out other activities alone.
SAPS spokesperson Athlenda Mathe said investigators had not confirmed the involvement of a serial killer.
However, she said the similarities between the cases were worrying.
That prompted police to issue a public warning while the investigation continues.
Missing Jogger Among Recent Victims
One of the recent cases involved 38-year-old Elizabeth “Tsontso” Moselakgomo.
She disappeared in Kempton Park last week.
Moselakgomo had reportedly gone jogging before her disappearance.
Her family and members of the community joined police in searching for her.
The search ended when her body was found on Saturday.
Her death has added to the anxiety among people living in the area.
President Ramaphosa Steps In
President Cyril Ramaphosa has directed the police to treat the investigations as a priority.
He said those responsible must be brought to justice.
Ramaphosa also appealed to the public to assist investigators.
Information from residents could help police establish what happened to the victims.
It could also help investigators identify any person responsible for the deaths.
A Serious National Problem
The latest incidents have once again drawn attention to South Africa’s violent crime problem.
The country recorded 5,427 murders between April and July.
That means an average of about 45 people were killed every day during the period.
Violence against women is also a major national concern.
The United Nations gender equality agency has ranked South Africa among countries facing severe femicide challenges.
Calls to Make Communities Safer
The Commission for Gender Equality is calling for immediate preventive measures.
It wants officials to conduct a safety audit of the affected areas.
The audit would examine several possible risks.
These include inadequate lighting and poor surveillance.
It would also cover pedestrian routes, public transport and abandoned or neglected areas.
The commission wants police visibility and emergency assistance to be assessed as well.
Javu Baloyi, a spokesperson for the commission, said authorities should not wait for more deaths before taking action.
“Women should not have to be killed before an area receives heightened attention,” Baloyi said.
Investigation Continues
Police have not confirmed that the seven deaths are connected.
They are still working to establish the facts surrounding each case.
For residents, however, the recent discoveries have created a growing sense of insecurity.
Authorities are urging the public to remain cautious.
They are also appealing for information that could help investigators solve the cases.
