Gauteng police have made an arrest in connection with the murder of a woman whose body was discovered at Mooifontein Cemetery in the Vusimusi section of Tembisa on Saturday, 26 September 2026. The deceased, identified as Ntombifuthi Nxumalo, was found with serious head injuries and stones nearby, suggesting a possible stoning. Preliminary investigations revealed that Nxumalo had been drinking at a local tavern with a female acquaintance before leaving with an unidentified man.
According to police, residents near the cemetery reported hearing a woman screaming and pleading for her life at around 11pm on the night of the murder. This information led investigators to trace the suspect to an address in Tembisa. Further investigation revealed that the suspect had travelled to Limpopo, prompting a multidisciplinary team to be dispatched to Mohlabaneng village.
A team comprising Crime Intelligence in the Ekurhuleni District, Tembisa South detectives, and the Head Office Investigative Psychology Services (IPS) worked together to apprehend the suspect. The team was assisted by experts from the Gauteng Local Criminal Record Centre (LCRC) and SAPS Bolobedu in Limpopo. The suspect was found asleep in his room and arrested at approximately 11pm on Saturday.
Acting National Commissioner of the South African Police Service, Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane, commended the multidisciplinary team for their swift response and coordination, which resulted in the suspect's apprehension on the same day. Dimpane emphasized the police's commitment to pursuing perpetrators of murder and gender-based violence.
Gauteng Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni also praised the team for their investigative work and the arrest of the suspect. The police are continuing to investigate and trace suspects linked to other women's bodies found in Ekurhuleni, following all available leads.
The suspect's arrest has brought some relief to the community, and the police's efforts have been lauded by various stakeholders. The incident highlights the ongoing issue of gender-based violence and femicide in South Africa, and the need for continued efforts to address this scourge.
The police's swift response in this case demonstrates their commitment to ensuring that perpetrators of violent crimes face the full might of the law. The arrest of the suspect is a significant step towards justice for Ntombifuthi Nxumalo and her family.
Key points
- The suspect was arrested on the same day as the murder, thanks to a multidisciplinary team's swift response and coordination.
- The police are continuing to investigate and trace suspects linked to other women's bodies found in Ekurhuleni.
- The arrest highlights the police's commitment to pursuing perpetrators of murder and gender-based violence.
