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South Africa launches manhunt for suspected serial killer
A special police task team has been assembled in KwaZulu-Natal to track down a suspected serial killer in the Tongaat area north of Durban.
Five badly decomposed bodies have been found in sugar cane fields in the area recently. The last two bodies were found a week ago. Some of the bodies were burnt beyond recognition - all are believed to be female.
Police suspect they were targeted while travelling on their own.
One female community member says: “We’re very scared because some of us came back home late at night. We have no choice but to go to work to fend for our families.”
A male community member adds; “Each time my wife goes to work I now make it a point that she does not go alone. Same thing applies when she comes back from work I need to wait for her at the bus stop. But what makes matters worse are the bushes and sugar cane.”
Police believe they will soon have tangible leads.
South African Police Service ’s Vincent Mdunge says: “In view of the mudus operandi it appears that all the victims that have been found with their hands tied with strings and mouths are gagged. And it is believed that all victims could have been women subject to scientific investigation that is being conducted at this stage and facial reconstruction now that some bodies are badly decomposed.”
The community has been urged to be on alert and to work with police to catch the person responsible.
Source: SABC