Twelve women have been killed in one part of South Africa since July. Here's what we know so far

What the report says

Police in South Africa have confirmed that three more women were found dead in the Ekurhuleni area east of Johannesburg, bringing the total number of bodies discovered there over the past two months to 12, BBC Africa reported from Johannesburg. The latest cases were found between Saturday and Monday, adding to an alarming series of killings that has unsettled communities in Kempton Park, Tembisa, Springs and nearby areas.

According to the report, investigators have made arrests in three cases, and those do not appear to be linked. Even so, police have not ruled out the possibility that some of the deaths could be connected, and they have set up a task team to examine the cases. The murders have unfolded against a wider backdrop of severe violence against women in South Africa.

BBC Africa detailed several of the victims, including women whose bodies were found partially clothed, bruised or otherwise badly injured. One case involved a woman who was shot while heading to work and appeared to be the victim of a robbery; police say that case has not been linked to the others. In another, officers believe a woman may have been stoned to death. Several victims have not yet been identified.

President Cyril Ramaphosa said the killings were a “stain on our national conscience.” As broader context, South Africa has one of the world’s highest homicide rates, and rights groups have long warned about femicide and gender-based violence. The police reward announced for information underscores the urgency of the investigation.