South Africans gathered for memorial runs and protests this week after the deaths of nine women in Ekurhuleni, east of Johannesburg, intensified anger and fear over violence against women.
The bodies were discovered over the past two months, with police investigating whether the killings are connected while examining the possibility of multiple suspects or separate perpetrators.
Most victims were believed to be in their 20s or 30s, and some were found naked or partially clothed, with signs of sexual assault or similar bruising.
At least one suspect has been detained as authorities continue comparing evidence, timelines, locations and victim profiles.
A memorial run in Johannesburg on Saturday honoured Elizabeth Moselakgomo, 38, who disappeared after going for a run and was found dead days later in Kempton Park.
Participants dressed in black, lit candles and carried a banner reading, "Enough. Stop Femicide."
A separate memorial event was held in Cape Town on Friday by Women for Change, reflecting widening public demands for stronger action against gender-based violence.
The killings have renewed scrutiny of a crisis that South Africa declared a national disaster in 2025.
President Cyril Ramaphosa said Thursday that the country could not become accustomed to such violence and pledged that investigators would leave no stone unturned.
Police discovered the ninth body on September 17 in Dawn Park, about 30km south of Kempton Park.
The unidentified woman, believed to be around 30, had been stabbed and may have been killed elsewhere before her body was moved, according to police.
Four of the nine victims have been identified, while five remain unidentified.
Police have offered a 400,000 rand reward for information leading to an arrest and urged the public to provide information that could assist investigators.
Authorities have also advised women to exercise heightened caution and avoid walking or running alone near Kempton Park.
Women's organisations criticised that guidance, arguing that responsibility for preventing violence should not be placed on potential victims.
Ramaphosa has also urged men to take a greater role in confronting gender-based violence, while campaigners are demanding improvements in policing and accountability.