THREE HELD OVER MURDER LINKED TO NINE JOHANNESBURG DEATHS

South African police have detained three suspects, a man and two women, over the murder of Jabulile Ntimba, whose body was found in Dawn Park, east of Johannesburg, last Thursday. Her death is the most recent of nine killings of women in the area that has drawn attention to violence against women in the country. Acting police chief Lt Gen Puleng Dimpane described the arrests as a "breakthrough" and said officers were "working tirelessly to bring those responsible to justice". The three suspects are due to appear in court on Monday morning. Ntimba's body was found half-naked, wrapped in a sheet.

Several of the nine victims were found partially clothed and with injuries, with some bodies discovered dumped on roadsides. Police have said they have not established whether all nine deaths are connected or whether a single perpetrator is responsible for them. South Africa records more than 60 homicides a day, according to reported figures. The killings have drawn nationwide attention amid what has been described as a high level of violence against women in the country. Police have faced pressure to solve the string of murders in the region.

Thousands of people took part in vigils, group runs and moments of silence across South Africa over the weekend in tribute to the nine women. Anger over the killings has been mounting, with growing calls for the government to take action. The arrests were announced as pressure on police intensified following the discoveries. Police continue to investigate the other eight cases, with no further arrests confirmed.