South African president vows justice as more women’s bodies found near Johannesburg
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has vowed that "no stone will be left unturned" in the hunt for those responsible for killing several women in and around Kempton Park, north-east of Johannesburg, over the past two months. Police say the investigation now covers eight deaths, most of the victims found partially or fully naked, after two more bodies were discovered on Tuesday. The case has sparked national outrage and fear, with the killings highlighting South Africa's exceptionally high rates of gender-based violence and prompting criticism of authorities for failing to protect women.
Police have not yet linked the deaths to a single serial killer but are investigating whether a group is responsible, possibly in a copycat pattern; one arrest has been made and a reward of 400,000 rand (around £18,000) has been offered for information. Only two victims have been formally identified so far, including 38-year-old Elizabeth Moselakgomo, a runner whose disappearance last week triggered a public search after her daughter raised the alarm; her body was found on Saturday. The first body was discovered in mid-July, the second in late August, and the rest this month, with three found since Monday. Police have urged women in the area, near South Africa's main international airport, to avoid walking or running alone, while the Commission for Gender Equality said the case underscores how women's freedom of movement remains under threat.
- Eight women's bodies found near Johannesburg over two months
- Ramaphosa vows justice; one arrest made, reward offered
- Case highlights South Africa's high gender-based violence rates