Two women have appeared in a South African court charged with the murder of a woman found dead east of Johannesburg, as police investigate the discovery of another woman’s body amid growing alarm over a string of killings.
Fortunate Masilela and Tsakane Nester Msithini appeared before the Boksburg Magistrates’ Court on Monday in connection with the killing of Jabulile Ntimba, whose body was discovered in Dawn Park earlier this month.
The pair face charges of premeditated murder and defeating or obstructing the course of justice. They were remanded in custody and are expected to return to court on October 1 for a bail hearing.
A third person detained during the investigation has not been charged. Police said investigations involving him were continuing.
Police believe Ntimba’s killing may have stemmed from a relationship dispute, including a possible love triangle, and are currently investigating her case separately from the other killings reported across Ekurhuleni.
Nine women have been found dead in Ekurhuleni, east of Johannesburg, since July, triggering public outrage and fears that some of the killings could be connected. Police, however, have said there is still no conclusive evidence that a serial killer is responsible.
Separately, the body of another woman was discovered on Sunday in Soweto, southwest of Johannesburg. The unidentified victim, believed to be in her 20s, was reportedly found partially wrapped in a duvet in a dam.
Police have opened an investigation into that death, but no link has been established between the Soweto case and the nine killings in Ekurhuleni.
The deaths have intensified scrutiny of gender-based violence in South Africa, where violence against women remains a major national concern. South Africa also has one of the world’s highest murder rates, with around 60 homicides recorded per day.
