Suspected serial killer in South Africa: 9 bodies of women found near Johannesburg

South African police announced the discovery of a ninth body of a woman murdered within about two months in an area east of Johannesburg. All victims are women in their 20s or 30s, whose bodies were found mutilated, some bound and stripped. Police suspect one or more serial killers, offered a reward of 400,000 rand, and called on women in the area to avoid walking alone.

South African police announced today (Thursday) the discovery of a ninth body of a woman murdered within about two months in an area east of Johannesburg. The wave of murders, all victims of which are women in their 20s or 30s whose bodies were found mutilated, is causing an uproar in the country. Police suspect that one or more serial killers are operating in the area. The first five bodies were found in the town of Kempton Park, and the others within 25 to 35 kilometers from it. Public interest began after the disappearance of Elizabeth "Tzontzo" Moslakagomo, 38, who went for a run and did not return; her 8-year-old daughter called for help. The search for her led to the discovery of five additional bodies. The first body, of a 37-year-old woman, was found on July 15, naked and handcuffed. Police offered a reward of 400,000 rand (about $23,000) for information leading to an arrest. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa promised that no effort would be spared to solve the murders. Police called on women in the Kempton Park area to avoid walking or running alone.