Two women have been charged with murder in South Africa as police investigate a series of women’s deaths east of Johannesburg.
The charges relate to the death of Jabulile Ntimba.
Her body was found near a road in Dawn Park last Thursday.
Police described the arrests as a breakthrough in the investigation.
Two women face murder charges
The two women face charges of premeditated murder and defeating the ends of justice.
Police also arrested a man. However, authorities later released him without charge.
The case relates only to Ntimba’s death.
Police are separately investigating eight other recent cases in the region.
Several victims were found near roads.
However, investigators have not established whether the deaths are connected.
Police have also warned against assuming that a serial killer is responsible.
Police investigate possible links
South African police have created a team to examine the cases.
Deputy police chief Lt Gen Tebello Mosikili said analysts were looking for possible links between them.
However, police believe Ntimba’s death may have resulted from a personal relationship.
Investigators are also examining the possibility of a love triangle.
Acting police chief Lt Gen Puleng Dimpane said officers were working to bring those responsible for the deaths to justice.
Cases spark concern in South Africa
The deaths have renewed concern about violence against women in South Africa.
They have also led to public calls for greater protection for women.
South Africa continues to record high levels of violent crime and gender-based violence.
According to an estimate from the South African Human Rights Commission, an average of six women were murdered each day between April and June this year.
The recent deaths have increased public concern about women’s safety.
Meanwhile, police say investigations into the other cases are continuing.