Ninth Woman Found Dead in South Africa Killing Spree

South African police are confronting a grim pattern east of Johannesburg, where a ninth woman's body has been found in two months. The latest victim, believed to be in her 30s, was discovered partially clothed and wrapped in a sheet along a road in the suburb of Dawn Park on Thursday, with reported bruises and stab wounds, reports the BBC. Her identity has not been released. The deaths stretch across Ekurhuleni, a metro area east of Johannesburg, notes DW.com, and have drawn the attention of President Cyril Ramaphosa.

The president promised "no stone will be left unturned" in the cases, which he said are "causing fear and uncertainty in our communities." Three victims have been named, among them 38-year-old runner Elizabeth "Tsontso" Moselakgomo. One suspect is in custody in connection with the first case, but police say they have not tied him to the others and are not yet calling this the work of a serial killer. Another theory is that a group of killers is at work. A special investigation team is in place, and a reward of about $25,000 has been offered.