A 23-year-old woman was shot and killed during an alleged robbery in Thembisa on Monday morning, adding to growing concern over the killings of women in and around Ekurhuleni.

The woman was reportedly on her way to work when she was attacked at about 5.45 am in Temong, Mapungubwe Street.

According to Gauteng police, the woman was shot during the alleged robbery, and her belongings were taken.

Her identity is known to police, but her family had not yet been formally notified when the incident was reported.

Police have opened a murder and robbery case and are following up on leads. No arrests have been made.

Gauteng police spokesperson Brigadier Brenda Muridili said preliminary investigations had not established any link between Monday morning’s killing and the recent cases involving women whose bodies have been found in Ekurhuleni.

“Preliminary investigations have not established any link between this incident and the recent cases involving the bodies of women found in Ekurhuleni,” Muridili said.

The latest killing comes as police investigate a series of deaths involving women whose bodies have been discovered across the Ekurhuleni area and surrounding parts of Gauteng.

SABC reported on Sunday that 11 women had been found murdered in Ekurhuleni and Soweto since July.

The cases include the deaths of Busisiwe Mahlangu, found in Kempton Park on 15 July; Itumeleng Kekana, found in Kempton Park on 3 August; and Nomfesane Mjobo, found in Kempton Park on 26 August.

An unidentified woman was found floating in the Clayville River in Olifantsfontein on 7 September.

Gracious Nkomo, 28, was found in Kempton Park on 10 September, while Elizabeth “Tsontso” Moselakgomo, 38, was found in Kempton Park on 12 September after being reported missing while out for a run.

Another woman, whose name was initially withheld pending notification of her family, was found in Olifantsfontein on 14 September. She was subsequently reported as Vutomi Mathebula.

Dineo Evelyn Motapane was found in Kwa-Thema on 15 September, while Jabulile Ntimba was found in Dawn Park on 17 September.

The names and details of all the more recently discovered bodies have not been publicly confirmed. Police have stressed that the cases have not been linked at this stage.

The investigation was further complicated by the discovery of Ntombifuthu Nxumalo, whose body was found at Mooifontein Cemetery in the Vusimusi section of Thembisa on Saturday.

Police said Nxumalo was found naked with serious head injuries, with stones found around her body. Investigators are considering whether she may have been stoned to death.

A man has since been arrested in connection with Nxumalo’s murder after investigators traced him from Thembisa to Mohlabaneng village in Limpopo. A multidisciplinary team involving Crime Intelligence, Thembisa South detectives and Investigations Psychology Services travelled to Limpopo with the assistance of SAPS Bolobedu, where the suspect was arrested.

Nxumalo’s friend, Mamsi Ntuli, told SABC News that her death had been painful and said she was relieved that a suspect had been arrested.

The latest 23-year-old victim’s death is not currently considered part of the same series.

Police are appealing to anyone with information about Monday’s shooting to contact their nearest police station, Crime Stop on 08600 10111, or submit information through the MySAPS App.

Investigators are continuing to establish the circumstances surrounding the shooting and identify the person or people responsible.