South African police find body of 11th woman near Johannesburg

South African police have discovered the body of another woman east of Johannesburg, increasing the total number of female bodies found near the city since mid-July to 11. The latest victim was located in an open field in the Ekurhuleni municipality around midday local time on Sunday. A security company vehicle patrolling the area alerted the police after noticing the body, according to police spokeswoman Brigadier Brenda Muridili. Details regarding the woman's identity, age, and cause of death have not been released. Just a day prior, a semi-naked woman's body was found near a cemetery in the same municipality. These discoveries have raised concerns over violence against women in South Africa, which has a high rate of femicide. While police investigate potential connections between the killings, community members worry that the murders may be the work of the same perpetrator or group. Provincial police chief Tommy Mthombeni indicated that the victim found on Saturday appeared to have been stoned to death, although a post-mortem examination will confirm the cause of death. A man linked to the killings was arrested nearly 400km away, bringing the total number of suspects in custody to four. President Cyril Ramaphosa commented on the situation during a campaign event, expressing sadness over the ongoing violence against women. South Africa has one of the highest femicide rates globally, with an average of 15 women killed daily. Two women have been charged in connection with the murder of the ninth victim discovered on September 17, which police believe may be related to a personal relationship. Mthombeni stated that while the ninth killing appears to be an isolated incident, some of the other murders may share similarities. In July and August, three bodies were found within 6km of each other in Ekurhuleni, and earlier this month, six bodies were discovered in a span of 10 days in the same area. Prior to the latest discovery, all deceased women were in their 20s or 30s, with several found either fully or partially naked. The first body, found in mid-July, was discovered naked and restrained with cable ties, leading to the arrest of the victim's boyfriend, though no charges were filed.