South African police have confirmed the discovery of a ninth woman's body in Ekurhuleni in two months, intensifying public concern over a series of killings east of Johannesburg.

The latest victim, believed to be around 30 years old, was discovered in Dawn Park, Boksburg, on Thursday morning. Police said the woman was found partially naked and wrapped in a sheet on the side of a road.

Preliminary indications suggest she may have been killed elsewhere before her body was dumped at the location. Her identity has not yet been publicly confirmed.

Police are investigating whether there are connections between the nine deaths but have cautioned against concluding that a serial killer is responsible.

POLICE INVESTIGATE POSSIBLE LINKS

The latest discovery follows the recovery of eight other women's bodies across Ekurhuleni since July.

Bodies have been discovered in areas including Kempton Park, Olifantsfontein, KwaThema and Dawn Park.

Police have assembled a multidisciplinary team involving detectives, intelligence officers, forensic specialists and other law enforcement personnel to investigate the deaths and determine whether any of the cases are connected.

Additional police officers have also been deployed to increase patrols and visibility in affected communities.

Authorities have stressed that investigators have not established that all nine women were killed by the same person.

THREE VICTIMS IDENTIFIED

Among the women identified is 38 year old Elizabeth Moselakgomo, whose disappearance attracted widespread attention after she failed to return from a run.

Her body was later discovered near a hotel in Kempton Park.

Two other victims have been identified as Itumeleng Kekana and 38 year old Dineo Evelyn Motapane.

Motapane's body was discovered on the side of a road in KwaThema. Her family subsequently identified her at the Springs Mortuary.

A suspect arrested in connection with the first body discovered in July remains in custody, but police have not publicly connected that suspect to the other deaths.

RAMAPHOSA ORDERS PRIORITY INVESTIGATION

President Cyril Ramaphosa has directed law enforcement agencies to prioritise the cases.

Ramaphosa said the deaths were creating fear and uncertainty in communities, particularly among women, and promised that authorities would pursue those responsible.

He said law enforcement agencies were working urgently to establish the facts and determine whether one or multiple perpetrators were involved.

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi also visited the area following the latest discovery and said investigators were making progress.

He urged the public to give police sufficient time to gather evidence and build cases against those responsible.

FEARS GROW AMONG WOMEN

The discoveries have caused widespread alarm across Ekurhuleni, with women expressing growing concern about their personal safety.

Police have increased their presence in affected communities while encouraging residents to provide information that could assist investigators.

Authorities have also urged people with missing relatives to come forward as efforts continue to identify victims whose identities remain unknown.

The killings come against the backdrop of South Africa's longstanding struggle with gender based violence and femicide, an issue that has repeatedly triggered protests and calls for stronger protection for women.

Police say their immediate priority is determining the circumstances surrounding each death, establishing whether any of the cases are connected and identifying those responsible.