By Marcus Moloko
An 11th body of a woman has been found in Springs deepening fears across Ekurhuleni as police continue investigating a string of murders that have left communities on edge.
Gauteng police spokesperson Brigadier Brenda Muridili confirmed that the half-naked body of a woman was discovered in an open veld near Rhokana Road in Springs on Friday.
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The body was reportedly spotted by a security company patrol vehicle conducting routine patrols in the area. Police were immediately notified and police officers were dispatched to the scene.
The latest discovery adds to a growing list of women whose bodies have been found dumped in open spaces across Ekurhuleni and neighbouring areas under similar and suspicious circumstances.
Police have since assembled a multidisciplinary team to investigate the cases.
While police have not officially confirmed that all the cases are linked, investigators are examining similarities between the murders as part of a broader probe.
The Springs victim is the 11th woman whose body has been discovered in the East Rand in recent months.
Previous victims were found in several locations across Ekurhuleni, including Kempton Park, Kwa-Thema, Dawn Park and Clayville. In many instances, the bodies were recovered in open velds or isolated areas, raising concerns about a possible pattern in the killings.
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Several of the victims were reportedly found partially clothed or displaying signs that have led investigators to explore potential links between the cases.
The mounting number of deaths has raised concerns among residents, community organisations and civil society groups, with many calling for increased police visibility, improved safety measures and faster progress in the investigations.
The latest discovery has renewed fears among women living and working across the municipality.
