TWO WOMEN CHARGED WITH PREMEDITATED MURDER OF JABULILE NTIMBA AS THIRD SUSPECT RELEASED
BOKSBURG — Two women accused of murdering Jabulile Ntimba, the ninth woman found dead in Ekurhuleni since July, have been remanded in custody following their first appearance in the Boksburg Magistrates’ Court on Monday.
Fortunate Masilela, 31, and Tsakane Nester Msithini, 38, are facing charges of premeditated murder and defeating or obstructing the course of justice in connection with Ntimba’s death. The case has been postponed to 1 October 2026 for a formal bail application.
A third person, a man who was taken into custody alongside the two women over the weekend, has been released after investigators did not have sufficient evidence to charge him within the required period.
Deputy National Police Commissioner for Policing Lieutenant-General Tebello Mosikili said investigators decided to proceed against the two women while continuing their investigation into the third person.
STATE REVEALS ALLEGED RELATIONSHIP LINK
More details about the State’s case emerged following Monday’s appearance.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority, Ntimba was allegedly known to the accused and was allegedly with them on the night connected to the incident.
The State alleges that Ntimba had been in a relationship with Masilela’s husband, who was also allegedly the brother of co-accused Msithini. Prosecutors allege that the discovery of the relationship preceded Ntimba’s killing. These allegations have not yet been tested at trial.
Police have similarly said their investigation indicates Ntimba’s killing may have arisen from a relationship dispute described as a possible love triangle, but authorities have cautioned against disclosing details that could compromise the investigation or court proceedings.
NINTH WOMAN FOUND DEAD IN EKURHULENI
Ntimba’s body was discovered in Villa Liza near Dawn Park, Boksburg, on Thursday, 17 September 2026.
Her death became the ninth reported case involving a woman found murdered in different parts of Ekurhuleni since July, triggering widespread concern and a major police investigation into whether any of the killings could be connected.
Police have stressed, however, that Ntimba’s case is being investigated on its own evidence and have not established that all nine deaths were committed by the same person or group.
Investigators continue to examine possible connections between the cases.
ACCUSED REMAIN BEHIND BARS
Masilela and Msithini will remain in custody until their next court appearance on 1 October, when they are expected to launch a formal bail application.
Their lawyer told the court that the application will be dealt with under Schedule 6, meaning the accused will have to satisfy the court that exceptional circumstances exist which justify their release on bail.
The State is expected to oppose bail.
In another development during Monday’s proceedings, the Boksburg Magistrates’ Court ruled that media organisations may record audio only, barring photographs and video showing the accused or presiding officers.
The murder allegations against Masilela and Msithini remain unproven, and both are presumed innocent unless and until convicted by a court.
MDNtv will continue following the Jabulile Ntimba murder case and the wider investigation into the deaths of women across Ekurhuleni.
