‘Breakthrough’ in ‘serial killer’ mystery after 9 women found dead in two months in South African city as three arrested

THREE suspects have been arrested in a breakthrough development after nine women were found dead near Johannesburg in just two months. The grisly string of discoveries were made on the outskirts of the South African city, terrifying locals as fears of a “serial killer” on the loose loomed large. Police inspect the body of one of the women found dumped on the side of a road in Boksburg, Johannesburg Credit: EPA Fear gripped Johannesburg as rumours of a serial killer swirled Credit: EPA The three recently detained suspects – a man and two women – were cuffed in connection with the death of Jabulile Ntimba, who was found in East Johannesburg on Thursday. Jabulile’s half-naked body, wrapped in sheets, was discovered near a road in Dawn Park. Sign up for The Sun newsletter Thank you! Acting police chief Lt Gen Puleng Dimpane has said officers are “working tirelessly to bring those responsible to justice”. South African police said the progress was a “breakthrough” after mounting pressure to solve why the victims’ bodies were dumped on the roadside. Fears of a possible serial killer on the loose gripped residents when cops found nine female bodies in just two months. Officials, however, are yet to establish whether all these cases are connected or whether there is a killer involved. Deputy Police chief Lt Gen Tebello Mosikili said: “A team of analysts is working hard to see if there are links to all of these cases.” But he said Jabulile’s killing “appears to be an indication of a murder that stemmed from a relationship…this includes…a possible love triangle”. Most read in The Sun Deputy National Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Tabelo Mosikili gives a press conference in Boksburg Credit: AFP Family members react during the funeral service of Elizabeth ‘Tsontso’ Mokolo Moselakgomo Credit: AFP What officials do know so far is that the victims have been aged between 20 and 38, and were discovered partially clothed. President Cyril Ramaphosa has vowed that “no stone will be left unturned” and has pushed the investigation to be given top priority. The first five bodies were discovered in or near the town of Kempton Park on the outskirts of Johannesburg. The others were found in separate locations between 15 and 21 miles away. President Cyril Ramaphosa has vowed that ‘no stone will be left unturned’ Credit: AFP A portrait of ‘Tsontso’, a victim of the recent east Johannesburg murders Credit: AFP Some of the bodies were discovered in open areas near major roads. Cops have said the murders may have taken place in different locations to where the bodies were found. The last five bodies were discovered in the space of four days last week. The first body was discovered on July 17, naked and restrained with cable ties. A suspect believed to have been the victim’s boyfriend was arrested and taken into custody, according to police, though no charges have been brought against him. One of the other victims was identified as Elizabeth Tsontso Moselakgomo, 38, who went missing while out jogging. She was reported missing after her eight-year-old daughter alerted family members that she had not returned from her daily afternoon jog, and she was found dead several days later. Another body was found naked and in an advanced stage of decomposition, authorities said. The youngest victim has been identified as a 20-year-old woman. They have also urged women in the area to be extremely cautious and not go out alone, and have deployed extra officers to the area. The three suspects are due to appear in court on Monday. Comment now