South African police find body of 10th woman near Johannesburg

South African police have discovered the body of another woman east of Johannesburg, bringing the total number of female bodies found near the city since mid-July to 10. The body was found in Thembisa, Ekurhuleni, on Saturday morning, according to the daily newspaper, The Sowetan. Police have not provided further information about the discovery. This incident raises concerns over violence against women in South Africa, which has one of the highest femicide rates in the world. Provincial police chief Tommy Mthombeni stated that the latest victim appeared to have been stoned to death, and a post-mortem examination will be conducted to determine the cause of death. Mthombeni mentioned that investigators are looking into whether the killings are connected, noting that some murders share similarities, but there is currently no conclusive evidence linking them to the same perpetrator. President Cyril Ramaphosa commented on the discovery while campaigning for local elections, expressing sadness over the situation and emphasizing the issue of violence against women in the country. Two women have been charged with the murder of the ninth victim, and police believe that killing may have stemmed from a relationship-related matter. In July and August, three bodies were discovered within six kilometers of each other in Ekurhuleni, and earlier this month, six bodies were found in 10 days in the same area. Prior to Saturday's discovery, all deceased women were in their 20s or 30s, with several found completely or partially nude. The age and clothing status of the 10th woman have not yet been confirmed.