South African police have discovered the body of a tenth woman east of the country’s commercial capital, Johannesburg, bringing the total number of female bodies found near the city since mid-July to 10. The latest discovery was confirmed by police in Thembisa, Ekurhuleni, on Saturday.

This latest finding adds to growing alarm over the escalating violence against women in a nation already grappling with exceptionally high rates of violent crime. While authorities are working to determine if the killings are linked, community members have voiced concerns that a single perpetrator or group may be responsible.

Provincial police chief Tommy Mthombeni stated that the most recently discovered victim appeared to have been stoned to death. A post-mortem examination is scheduled to ascertain the exact cause of death. "We have put highly capable investigators on this case," Mthombeni told reporters, vowing to apprehend those responsible.

President Cyril Ramaphosa commented on the discovery while campaigning for upcoming local elections, expressing deep sadness and calling the ongoing violence a "shame on the men of South Africa." South Africa contends with one of the world's highest femicide rates, averaging 15 women murdered daily.

In a separate development, two women were charged last week in connection with the murder of the ninth victim. Police indicated that this particular killing may have been motivated by a relationship dispute. Mthombeni suggested to state broadcaster SABC that while the ninth murder might be an isolated incident, some of the other killings could potentially be connected.

Investigators have noted similarities across some of the cases, though Mthombeni cautioned that there is currently no definitive evidence linking them to the same individual or group. Police previously found three bodies in July and August within a four-mile radius in Ekurhuleni. Earlier this month, six additional bodies were discovered in the same region over a 10-day period.

Prior to Saturday's discovery, all previously found victims were in their 20s or 30s, and several were found partially or fully unclothed. The age and attire of the tenth victim have not yet been confirmed by police. The first body was discovered in mid-July.

The ongoing discoveries have amplified calls for action to address the pervasive issue of gender-based violence in South Africa, a crisis that continues to claim numerous lives and instill widespread fear.