Police in Ekurhuleni have confirmed the discovery of the body of another woman in Thembisa, east of Johannesburg, bringing the total number of female bodies found in the area since mid‑July to 10. Authorities said the body was located on Saturday morning in the Vusimusi section of Thembisa South and that a post‑mortem examination will determine the cause of death.
Investigators mobilise a joint command
Gauteng provincial police have placed a team of experienced investigators on the matter and established a joint command structure to coordinate the probe, provincial police chief Tommy Mthombeni said. He told reporters at the scene that the force has deployed a multi‑pronged approach and that senior police leadership and crime intelligence officials are meeting regularly to monitor progress.
“We have put highly capable investigators on this case,” Mthombeni said, according to reporting from the scene.
Police have not yet disclosed further details about the latest victim. The Sowetan reported the morning discovery, and officials indicated that the investigation is at an early stage for this particular scene.
Nationwide concern and political response
The discovery has intensified public concern about violence against women in South Africa, a country that records one of the highest femicide rates globally. President Cyril Ramaphosa acknowledged the latest find while campaigning ahead of local government elections.
“I’ve sadly heard about 10th body of a woman found in Thembisa,” Ramaphosa said, according to broadcaster eNCA. “This continues to make us very sad, and in many ways, it’s a shame on the men of South Africa that we continue to kill the women of our beautiful country.”
For residents of Thembisa and surrounding communities, the string of discoveries has prompted alarm and demands for swift police action. Authorities are under pressure to establish whether the killings are linked and, if so, whether they are the work of a single perpetrator or multiple offenders.
Case developments and legal action
Police have said two women have been charged in connection with the ninth victim whose body was discovered last week; investigators have indicated that that killing may have been related to a relationship dispute. For the latest case, Mthombeni said a thorough forensic and intelligence process will be followed to ensure leads are pursued.
- Number of bodies found in Ekurhuleni since mid‑July: 10
- Latest discovery: Thembisa South, Vusimusi section; reported Saturday morning
- Investigative response: Joint command with senior leadership and crime intelligence
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Total bodies found in area | 10 |
| Charges in ninth victim's case | Two women charged |
| National femicide statistic cited by police | Average of 15 women killed per day |
Authorities have not yet announced whether the latest body exhibits injuries consistent with the other cases. Mthombeni told reporters the victim in this instance appeared to have been stoned to death, but added that a post‑mortem will provide an official cause of death.
Broader context and consequences
South Africa has long struggled with high levels of violent crime and gender‑based violence. The succession of bodies discovered in an urban area near Johannesburg has reignited debate about police resourcing, community safety measures and the effectiveness of interventions aimed at preventing femicide.
Police face the immediate task of determining whether there are clear links across the scenes, consolidating forensic evidence and pursuing intelligence leads. Officials have promised a sustained effort to identify those responsible and to bring suspects to court where the evidence supports prosecution.
Meanwhile, community leaders and residents continue to express fear for their personal safety and demand visible policing and rapid progress in investigations. As inquiries continue, the outcome of forensic examinations and subsequent operational developments will be key to understanding whether this series of killings is the work of a lone offender or multiple perpetrators.
Investigators have appealed to anyone with information to come forward and assist with enquiries. Police confirmed that updates will be provided as new information becomes available and as post‑mortem results are finalised.
