By Anita Dangazele
- Fortunate Masilela and Tsakane Nester Msithini face charges of premeditated murder and defeating the ends of justice over Jabulile Ntimba’s death, and will apply for bail on 1 October.
- Police say a third suspect was only ever brought in for questioning, and has not been charged while investigators follow up further leads.
Two suspects, Fortunate Masilela and Tsakane Nester Msithini, appeared before the Boksburg Magistrates’ Court on Monday, charged in connection with the murder of Jabulile Ntimba, the ninth woman found dead in Ekurhuleni since July.
The matter was postponed, with the pair set to apply for bail on 1 October. They remain in custody in the meantime.
The two face charges of premeditated murder under gender-based violence, and defeating or obstructing the course of justice.
A third suspect, initially arrested alongside them over the weekend, has not been enrolled in the case and did not appear in court. Deputy National Commissioner Tebello Mosikili explained that this person was only ever brought in for questioning, not formally arrested on charges.
“The statement was very clear that they were taken in for questioning. After that questioning, the team, working with the prosecution, because we are looking at a prosecutor-guided investigation, found it fit to proceed with the two,” she said.
She said follow-up work continues, including possible identity parades and any further information that could link another suspect to the case.
The court ruled that only audio recording of proceedings would be permitted. No images may be taken of the accused or the presiding officer’s faces; they may only be filmed from behind.
Mosikili had earlier told media that Ntimba’s murder may have stemmed from a relationship-related matter, including what she described as a possible love triangle.
“In the case of Jabulile Ntimba, there does appear to be an indication that her murder may have stemmed from a relationship-related matter, including what has been described as a possible love triangle,” she said, adding that police were withholding further detail to protect the investigation and the court process.
She said it will ultimately be up to the courts to weigh the evidence and determine the actual motive.
Ntimba, believed to be around 30 years old, was found partially clothed in an open area on Lama Street, Villa Lisa, near Dawn Park, on 17 September. Generals Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi and Dumisani Khumalo have since joined the multidisciplinary team investigating the case.
Police have not said whether Ntimba’s murder is connected to the deaths of the other women found in Ekurhuleni since July. They are also continuing efforts to identify a woman found in the Clayville River, Olifantsfontein, on 7 September, whose case has been folded into the broader investigation. Police have named all nine victims, in the order their bodies were discovered:
Busisiwe Mahlangu, found in Kempton Park on 15 July 2026
Itumeleng Kekana, found in Kempton Park on 3 August 2026
Nomfesane Mjobo, found in Kempton Park on 26 August 2026
An unidentified woman, found at Clayville River, Olifantsfontein, on 7 September 2026
Gracious Nkomo, found in Kempton Park on 10 September 2026
Elizabeth Moselakgomo, found in Kempton Park on 12 September 2026
A woman whose name has not yet been released, pending her family being informed, found in Olifantsfontein on 14 September 2026
Dineo Motapane, found in Kwa-Thema on 15 September 2026
Jabulile Ntimba, found in Dawn Park on 17 September 2026
Pictured above: Two suspects appeared before the Boksburg Magistrates’ Court on Monday, charged in connection with the murder of Jabulile Ntimba, the ninth woman found dead in Ekurhuleni since July.
Image source: Truth Panther/Facebook Page
