WATCH | Ninth body found in Dawn Park, Ekurhuleni - IOL

The scene where the body of a ninth woman was discovered, amid growing concern over a series of bodies found in the area. Picture: Itumeleng English/ANA Studio

The grim body count on the East Rand has risen to nine, after another woman's body was found in Ekurhuleni, police said.

Eight other women have been found dead in and around the area since July, and police are investigating whether the killings are linked.

Gauteng acting provincial commissioner Major General Fred Kekana told the media on Thursday that the latest body was found in Dawn Park, Ekurhuleni.

He said preliminary investigations indicated that the woman's remains had been dumped there.

At the weekend, Kekana urged women and girls to take extra precautions when exercising, walking or running while the investigation continued.

"This is not about restricting the freedom of women to move, exercise or live their lives," Kekana said.

"It is about taking reasonable precautions while the police continue with these investigations."

The first body, that of a 37-year-old woman, was found naked and bound with cable ties in an open field near the R21 in Kempton Park on July 15.

Itumeleng Kekana, 32, who went missing on July 17, was found dead on Great North Road in Pomona, Kempton Park, on August 3.

A 32-year-old woman was found partially clothed near the R21 on August 24.

Last Monday, a woman believed to be in her late 20s was found in a river in Clayville, near Mall of Thembisa, wearing only her underwear.

Last week Thursday, the naked and badly decomposed body of a woman was found near the R21 and Voortrekker Road in Kempton Park.

Elizabeth "Tsontso" Moselakgomo, 38, a mother who went out for her usual run last week Wednesday and never returned, was found partially clothed behind a hotel in Rhodesfield last week Saturday.

On Monday, a partially naked woman with bruises was found in Olifantsfontein.On Tuesday, a naked woman in her 30s was found behind Club 69 in KwaThema, Springs, and Kekana said early findings by pathologists showed she had been strangled.

Acting national police commissioner Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane said one person had been arrested in connection with one of the killings in July, and police were tracing another person of interest.

Police have offered a R400,000 reward for information leading to arrests, while the DA has put up R500,000.

Acting police minister Firoz Cachalia said on Tuesday that police would lock down Kempton Park and surrounding areas, and said it was too early to say there was a pattern to the killings.

A multidisciplinary team of detectives, forensic experts, crime intelligence and specialised units has been set up to investigate the deaths.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has directed police to prioritise the investigation.