South Africa Questions 3 People of Interest in Femicide | Today’s news
(Bloomberg) — South African police are questioning three persons of interest in the murders of nine women found around Johannesburg, warning that investigators have not yet determined whether they are connected.
The three have been called in for questioning as investigators follow up on clues to the deaths in Ekurhuleni, east of Johannesburg, Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia told reporters on Sunday. Police have previously arrested one person in connection with the killing of a woman whose body was discovered in July.
“There are now three persons of interest who have been subpoenaed for questioning,” Cachalia said. Investigators “have not conclusively confirmed that we are dealing with a serial killer,” he said, adding that in some cases there are indications of different methods and motives.
Eight of the nine women whose bodies were discovered over the past two months have now been identified, Cachalia said. Police said Thursday that the discovery of a ninth body in Dawn Park would be added to the investigation.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has ordered authorities to prioritize the investigation. A multi-disciplinary team has been established under the coordination of the Deputy National Commissioner responsible for Detective Services, with increased police visibility in the affected areas.
The deaths have raised concerns about violence against women in South Africa. According to police crime statistics, a total of 569 women were murdered in South Africa between April and June this year, which equates to more than six women a day.
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