Distraught residents gathered behind police tape in Villa Liza Extension 4 this morning (September 17) after the body of an unidentified woman was discovered on the side of the road.

The woman, believed to be about 30 years old, was found face down and partially dressed, at about 06:00 by a jogger.

Residents, many dressed in gowns, gathered near the crime scene as forensic investigators combed the area, while provincial and regional police officers, including acting Gauteng Police Commissioner Major-

General Fred Kekana and Ekurhuleni Police Commissioner Major-General Anna Sithole, maintained a strong presence.

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi was also on scene.

Resident Zodwa Mncunu said residents rushed to the scene after being alerted to the discovery.

“We were here at around 06:00 after a man jogging in the area discovered the body and reported it. This makes us, as women, feel unsafe,” she said.

Kekana said the woman was found dressed in a bra, top and panties.

“She has a stab wound on her side and her throat looks like it was slit. That’s what we can see for now. The forensics are still busy combing the scene and will determine the cause of death and her identity,” he said.

The discovery brings to nine the number of women’s bodies reportedly found around Ekurhuleni since July.

Kekana appealed to Villa Liza residents to come forward with any information that could assist investigators.

“We request the community to assist us. Those who might have seen something, know or suspect something with regard to this incident or other incidents, to assist us. Come forward to the police. Give us information,” he said.

Kekana said police have received information that they believe could lead to a breakthrough in investigations into the recent killings of women in the metro.

“We have received lots of information we think will assist. The teams are busy following up each and every lead provided. Some information has been sent to us anonymously.”

Speaking to the media at the scene in Villa Liza, Lesufi reiterated his confidence in law enforcement agencies and appealed to residents to remain patient as investigations continue.

“I have trust in law enforcement agencies. We are making a breakthrough. There are two to three cases that are going to get results. I ask South Africans to be patient. I know the level of anger, frustration and despair. It’s natural.

“The investigators have done well. They have criss-crossed the country. There are people who have already moved out. They know we are looking for them. We’ll make a breakthrough. They have declared war. We have to return it.”

However, some Villa Liza residents said the latest incident had heightened fears among women in the area and they questioned the police’s visibility in the community.

Resident Pinky Motaung said the incident was particularly painful because she had previously found herself in a dangerous situation.

“This is painful because the same almost happened to me. Fortunately, I escaped. I feel like the police don’t protect us. They only show visibility when such incidents happen. That’s when we see them out in full force.

“They always tell us about a shortage of vans. But today, they are here in numbers. When we call them for other things, they don’t care.”

Nthabiseng Mavimbela said the discovery had left the community shocked.

Kekana appealed to the public to stop spreading false information about the incidents on social media because it doesn’t help police and could lead to copycat killers.

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