In South Africa, a 23-year-old woman was shot dead in Tembisa amid a series of killings — Daily Maverick
In Tembisa, South Africa, 23-year-old Boitumelo Nglazi was shot dead on 28 September while on her way to work. The attack took place early in the morning on Mapungubwe Street in the Thembong area, and the woman's belongings were taken. According to Daily Maverick, police opened an investigation into murder and robbery.
Police linked Nglazi's husband, from whom she was living separately, to the case and considered him a person of interest in the investigation. The man's car was later found in the area of the Midrand police station; his body was inside.
Gauteng provincial police spokesperson Brenda Muridili said the man may probably have ingested an unknown substance. At this stage, police do not suspect third-party involvement, and the exact cause of death is to be determined after an autopsy.
Investigation in Ekurhuleni
Nglazi became the 12th woman whose murder in Ekurhuleni has been reported since July. At the same time, her death is not being investigated by the special team created to examine the previous similar cases.
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Police are checking possible links between a series of cases involving 13 victims. According to law enforcement, all of them were Black women aged between 20 and 30. Most cases are concentrated in the areas of Kempton Park, the R21 highway, Clayville and Tembisa. Separate bodies were found in Dawn Park, Springs, as well as at Moroka Dam in Soweto.
At least four women had been reported missing before their bodies were found. Six bodies were discovered over 10 days in September. Most victims were found in secluded or open places, including near roads, in a field, in rivers, at a cemetery and behind a club. Five bodies were found near the R21 highway.
Differences between the cases
Law enforcement officials caution against concluding that a serial killer is operating in the province. There are already suspects in some cases: Busisiwe Mahlangu's partner was arrested in connection with her murder. In the case of Jabulile Ntimba, police detained three people: two women remained in custody, while a man was released due to insufficient evidence to bring charges. A 36-year-old suspect in the murder of Ntombifuthi Nkhumalo was also detained.
The circumstances of the deaths differ: reports mentioned multiple stab wounds, a slit throat, probable strangulation, a possible killing with stones and gunshot wounds. Former South African police profiler Gerard Labuschagne believes investigators should treat the cases as serial until evidence proves otherwise.
