Suspect linked to South Africa murders kills himself

One of two suspects arrested in connection with the murder of five women in South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal province has killed himself in the holding cells, police have told the BBC.

The suspect was due to appear in court on Monday morning.

The court session will still proceed with the remaining suspect making his first appearance. The pair were arrested on Friday last week.

The bodies of five women were found between April and August on a sugarcane farm in Mthwalume area. Two of the bodies were discovered last week.

Residents in the area say they are living in fear and that policing is poor.

National Police Minister Bheki Cele said in a statement: “Over and above the extra boots on the ground to ensure this type of crimes don’t take place and that women are safe and feel safe, we have also established a mobile community service centre that will make certain this area and surrounding areas have better access to services of the SAPS.”

Residents held demonstrations outside the court – with some holding up placards reading “no bail, rot in jail”.

The residents believe the five murders were linked and committed by a serial killer or a group of serial killers. Police say they cannot at this point rule out the possibility.

Mr Cele is due to brief the media on the matter later on Monday.