BOKSBURG – Two women have been charged with the murder of Jabulile Ntimba, marking her as the ninth woman discovered deceased in Ekurhuleni since July. Their first court appearance took place at the Boksburg Magistrates’ Court on Monday, where they were remanded in custody.
Fortunate Masilela, aged 31, and Tsakane Nester Msithini, aged 38, face serious charges of premeditated murder and obstruction of justice related to Ntimba’s death. The hearing has been postponed until 1 October 2026 for a detailed bail application.
A third individual, a man apprehended with the two women over the weekend, has been released due to a lack of sufficient evidence to warrant charges within the required timeframe.
Lieutenant-General Tebello Mosikili, the Deputy National Police Commissioner, stated that the decision to proceed with charges against the two women was based on the findings of ongoing investigations concerning the third party.
More information about the state’s case was shared after the court session. The National Prosecuting Authority reported that Ntimba had prior interactions with the accused and was with them on the night linked to her death.
The state contends that Ntimba was in a relationship with Masilela’s spouse, who is also reported to be related to Msithini. Allegations suggest that this discovery may have led to Ntimba’s murder. It is important to note that these claims are yet to be substantiated in court proceedings.
Police have suggested that the circumstances surrounding Ntimba’s death could stem from a romantic dispute, potentially involving a love triangle. However, authorities have urged caution in disclosing specifics that might hinder the investigation or legal processes.
Ntimba’s body was found in Villa Liza, close to Dawn Park in Boksburg, on Thursday, 17 September 2026. Her killing is part of a troubling trend, being the ninth murder of a woman in different locations throughout Ekurhuleni since July, which has raised significant alarm and commenced an extensive police investigation to determine if these incidents are linked.
Despite the concerns, law enforcement has clarified that Ntimba’s case is being assessed based solely on its own evidence, and no definitive connections among the nine cases have been established so far.
Investigators continue to sift through the potential links between these incidents.
Masilela and Msithini are slated to remain in detention until their next court date on 1 October, at which point they are anticipated to present a formal bail request.
Their legal representation indicated that the application would be addressed under Schedule 6, necessitating proof of exceptional circumstances for bail consideration.
The prosecution is expected to challenge the bail application.
Additionally, during Monday’s court session, it was determined that media outlets may only record audio from the proceedings, prohibiting photos and video footage of the accused or presiding officers.
The charges against Masilela and Msithini are still unproven, and both women are treated as innocent until a court rules otherwise.
MDNtv will keep following the case surrounding Jabulile Ntimba’s murder, as well as the broader investigation into the homicides of women across Ekurhuleni.
