President Cyril Ramaphosa has directed police to prioritise investigations into the deaths of women whose bodies have been discovered in Ekurhuleni over the past two months, as concern grows over the possibility that some of the killings could be linked.

The latest discovery was made in KwaThema, Springs, on Tuesday morning, bringing to six the number of women whose bodies have been found in the Ekurhuleni district during the past two months.

Five bodies had previously been discovered in and around Kempton Park and Olifantsfontein, with the latest case widening the area of concern for investigators.

Ramaphosa said he had spoken to the Minister of Police and the Acting National Police Commissioner, who briefed him on the investigations.

“I have directed that these cases be prioritised and that no stone be left unturned in bringing those responsible to justice,” Ramaphosa said.

He expressed his condolences to the families of the women and said the killings had caused fear and uncertainty, particularly among women.

“Our law enforcement agencies are working urgently to establish the facts, keep communities safe, and bring the perpetrator or perpetrators to justice,” he said.

Ramaphosa also appealed to members of the public to assist investigators with information that could help solve the cases.

“If anyone has information about these incidents or if you are missing a relative or friend, please contact Warrant Officer Elvis Manyike on 082 465 7249,” he said.

The Police Ministry has also moved to intensify the investigation.

Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia, who returned to South Africa on Monday after a working visit to China, is expected to meet with investigators on Tuesday afternoon together with Acting National Commissioner Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane.

They are expected to receive a detailed briefing on the progress of the investigation, evidence gathered, and measures being taken to identify and arrest those responsible.

Cachalia said investigators must establish whether the cases are linked.

“The discovery of multiple women murdered in the Kempton Park area is deeply disturbing. While the investigation must establish whether these cases are linked, the possibility that a perpetrator or perpetrators may be targeting women demands our urgent and determined attention,” he said.

A multidisciplinary investigation has been established to examine possible links between the cases.

Cachalia also urged the public not to circulate unverified information or make accusations without evidence.

“The safety of women is a priority. The SAPS will continue working with communities and other stakeholders to identify risks, strengthen policing responses and ensure that credible information is acted upon,” he said.

The Commission for Gender Equality (CGE) has called for an urgent safety audit of the affected areas in Kempton Park.

The commission said the audit should involve SAPS, the municipality, transport authorities and community safety structures, with attention given to lighting, surveillance, pedestrian routes, public transport points, vacant or poorly monitored spaces, police visibility and access to emergency assistance.

The CGE said women should not have to change their daily routines to avoid becoming victims of violence.

“A society in which women have to avoid certain roads, stop exercising outdoors, change their working hours, travel only in groups, or constantly share their location to feel safe is not a society in which women enjoy substantive equality,” it said.

The latest killings have also prompted community mobilisation.

Ekurhuleni Executive Mayor Alderman Nkosindiphile Xhakaza is joining a march and prayer campaign against crime and the killings of women.

A march is scheduled for Tuesday afternoon from Rhodesfield Park to Kempton Park Police Station, while a prayer service is planned for Thursday morning at the Kempton Park Civic Centre.

Xhakaza urged residents to stand with the affected families and work with law enforcement to help identify those responsible.

At the latest crime scene, the discovery of the body has also brought anguish to families searching for missing relatives.

A woman identified as Catherine was at the scene on Tuesday after hearing about the discovery. She said her daughter had been missing since Friday and she feared the body could be hers.

“She went to her boyfriend’s house. I don’t know where and don’t know him. I tried calling her. Now that I heard someone was killed, I thought, what if she is the one?” Catherine said.

The body remained covered at the scene while forensic officials combed the area for evidence.

Community activists have meanwhile questioned whether enough resources are being deployed to address violence against women.

KwaNele Foundation member Sihle Sibisi, speaking to journalists at the scene, said women were increasingly living in fear.

“This is shattering. Are women in South Africa safe? We cannot be living in fear. We cannot every day hear about incidents to women,” Sibisi said.

She questioned the government’s response to the killings and called for more resources to be placed on the ground to help investigators.

“The question is no longer, ‘Am I next?’ It is now, ‘When will it happen to me?’” she said.

The African Transformation Movement has also condemned the killings and renewed its call for the reinstatement of the death penalty for serious crimes, including murder.

The party said the discovery of a sixth woman’s body had reinforced its position that the most serious crimes should attract the harshest punishment.

Police have urged anyone with information that could assist the investigation to come forward, while cautioning against speculation and unverified claims as investigators work to establish the circumstances surrounding each death and whether there is a connection between the cases.