South African police have arrested a suspect in connection with one of eight women found dead in Ekurhuleni, Gauteng, over the past two months, as investigators examine whether some of the cases could be linked.
Acting National Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane said the suspect was arrested in connection with one of the killings committed in July. Police are also searching for another person of interest.
Authorities have announced a R400,000 reward for information that could help investigators make progress in the cases.
Dimpane urged families in and around the affected areas to report missing relatives, saying that identifying the victims could help police pursue specific leads and determine what happened.
The investigation intensified after another woman's body was discovered in Olifantsfontein on September 14, bringing the number of women found dead in the Ekurhuleni area over the previous two months to eight.
The discoveries have raised concerns that a serial killer could be operating in the area. However, authorities have not confirmed that all eight deaths are connected or that a single person is responsible.
Police have formed a dedicated multidisciplinary task team involving specialized detectives, including members of the Murder and Robbery Unit and Investigative Psychology Unit.
Investigators previously reported concerning similarities in some of the cases. Several victims were reportedly found partially undressed, some had visible bruising, and multiple bodies were discovered within the same general area.
Police have advised women around Kempton Park, particularly Rhodesfield, to exercise caution and, where possible, walk, jog or exercise in groups while the investigation continues.
Authorities are also asking residents, motorists and security personnel to report suspicious activity or provide any information that could help investigators.
For now, police have not publicly established whether the eight deaths are connected.