Three people have been arrested over the killing of a woman found partially naked in Boksburg as South African police investigate the deaths of nine women in the Ekurhuleni region since July.

Gauteng, South Africa (Running Africa) — South African police have arrested three people in connection with the death of Jabulile Ntimba, as investigators examine her case alongside the deaths of eight other women whose bodies were found across Ekurhuleni and surrounding areas.

A man and two women were arrested over the weekend following the discovery of Ntimba’s body in Dawn Park, east of Johannesburg, on Thursday.

Police described the arrests as a breakthrough in the investigation. The three suspects are expected to appear before the Boksburg Magistrates’ Court.

Police Investigate Nine Women’s Deaths in Gauteng

Ntimba’s death is being investigated alongside eight other cases involving women found dead in Ekurhuleni and nearby areas.

Eight of the nine women have been identified, while investigators continue working to establish the circumstances surrounding each death.

The cases have raised concern among communities in Gauteng and prompted increased police deployments.

A multidisciplinary team involving forensic experts, fingerprint specialists, and data analysts is examining evidence, including whether there are connections between some of the deaths.

Police Say No Definitive Link Between All Nine Cases

Authorities have cautioned against concluding that all nine women were killed by the same person.

Deputy National Police Commissioner Tebello Mosikili said investigators had not established a definitive connection between all the cases.

Police have identified differences in the suspected motives and methods involved in some of the deaths, meaning investigators are treating each case on its individual evidence while examining possible links.

The arrests in Ntimba’s case mark progress in one investigation, but police have not said the three suspects are connected to the other deaths.

Investigations into the remaining cases are continuing as authorities work to determine what happened to each woman.