Two women, Tsakane Msithini and Fortunate Masilela, appeared before the Boksburg Magistrate's Court on Thursday in connection with the murder of Jabulile Ntimba. Ntimba's body was found in Villa Lisa, near Dawn Park. The pair face charges of premeditated murder and defeating or obstructing the course of justice. They were arrested last week and are expected to face a crucial bail hearing.
The murder of Ntimba is part of a string of killings that have claimed the lives of several women in Ekurhuleni since July. According to police, Ntimba was the ninth woman found murdered in the area. The cases have placed renewed focus on a series of investigations being conducted across the metro. A multidisciplinary police team is continuing its investigation into the deaths of women across Ekurhuleni.
Police maintain that Msithini and Masilela are linked to Ntimba's murder. A third suspect was released after the State found there was insufficient evidence to prosecute him. The motive behind the murder is suspected to have stemmed from a potential "love triangle". The arrests are among a handful made in connection with the killings.
Msithini and Masilela will have to convince the court that exceptional circumstances exist before they can be granted bail, according to the Criminal Procedure Act. Their court appearance comes as another murder investigation linked to the wider series moves through the courts. A man arrested after the discovery of the first body in Kempton Park in July is expected to return to court later this month.
The cases remain under investigation, and police are working to establish the circumstances surrounding the murders. The investigation has sparked national concern, with President Cyril Ramaphosa announcing a national case-recovery operation and a plan to reduce forensic backlogs. The President also ordered a 60-day audit of unresolved serious crimes involving women and children.
The SAPS is under pressure to solve the string of murders in Ekurhuleni. While police have not confirmed that the nine women found dead across Ekurhuleni were killed by one person, similarities between the cases have prompted a multidisciplinary investigation. The police team is working to establish a link between the cases and identify the perpetrators.
The bail hearing for Msithini and Masilela is a crucial step in the investigation. If granted bail, the pair will have to comply with certain conditions. The court will consider factors such as the seriousness of the offense, the likelihood of the accused fleeing, and the potential for interference with witnesses.
Key points
- Two women, Tsakane Msithini and Fortunate Masilela, to face bail bid over Jabulile Ntimba's murder
- The murder is part of a string of killings that have claimed the lives of several women in Ekurhuleni since July
- The investigation has sparked national concern, with President Cyril Ramaphosa announcing measures to tackle GBV and femicide
