South African police are investigating the deaths of seven women found in and around Kempton Park, north-east of Johannesburg, over the past two months.
Another body was discovered on Tuesday, prompting President Cyril Ramaphosa to pledge that “no stone will be left unturned” to identify those responsible.
Police say most of the victims were found partially or fully naked. Only two of the seven women have so far been identified.
One of them was 38-year-old Elizabeth Moselakgomo, whose disappearance last week prompted a widespread search. Her body was discovered on Saturday and identified by relatives on Monday.
Police have not classified the deaths as the work of a serial killer. Investigators are instead examining whether a group could be responsible.
Police spokesperson Brig Athlenda Mathe said investigators were also considering the possibility of copycat crimes, but had established no links between the cases so far.
One person has been arrested in connection with the discovery of the first body and remains in police custody.
The first body was found in mid-July, while another was discovered in late August. Other bodies were found this month.
Police have urged women in Kempton Park to avoid walking or running alone, particularly in isolated areas.
The killings have intensified concerns over gender-based violence in South Africa, where UN Women says the rate at which women are killed is five times the global average.
The Commission for Gender Equality has urged residents to work with police to help identify those responsible.
