Police in South Africa have discovered the bodies of nine women east of Johannesburg over the past two months, sparking fears that a serial killer or group of killers may be active. The latest victim was found on Thursday near the airport, stabbed, beaten, and partially naked, with her throat apparently cut.

All bodies were discovered in Ekurhuleni, a municipality immediately east of Johannesburg, in Gauteng province. Provincial police commissioner Fred Kekana said the woman, believed to be around 30, was found by a passerby near a construction site. The cause of death has not yet been officially determined.

Investigators had previously said similarities in the first eight killings were "sufficiently concerning for the police to issue a public warning." A lockdown has been imposed in Kempton Park, Ekurhuleni, with roadblocks set up. Deputy police chief Tebello Mosikili told journalists: "We cannot continue picking up bodies." Police have offered a reward of 400,000 rand (about $25,000) for information leading to an arrest.

Gauteng premier Panyaza Lesufi said "someone has declared war against us, and we will push back, we are not going to surrender." President Cyril Ramaphosa said Tuesday that "no stone will be left unturned" to solve the crimes, adding that the incidents are causing fear and uncertainty, especially among women.

South Africa has one of the highest murder rates in the world, and gender-based violence is endemic. The country has declared a national emergency to tackle the issue. The UN estimates that one in three women experiences physical or sexual violence during her lifetime.

Source: www.dw.com