Boyfriend accused of murdering girlfriend arrested in Klerksdorp

A 27-year-old man wanted in connection with the murder of his girlfriend in Soweto has been arrested in Klerksdorp after members of the public recognised him from a photograph circulated widely by the South African Police Service (SAPS).

Simiso Silomo Phakathi was wanted in connection with the murder of his 37-year-old live-in girlfriend, Jabulisile Josephina Tshabalala, whose body was discovered in a backroom in Orlando East, Soweto, on 13 August.

In a statement on Wednesday police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe said that Tshabalala was last seen alive on 7 August. She was allegedly stabbed to death, with her body later found covered with blankets and clothes inside the backroom she shared with Phakathi.

A J50 warrant of arrest for murder had been issued for Phakathi, with police previously warning that he was considered dangerous and appealing to him to hand himself over.

The breakthrough came within four hours of SAPS releasing Phakathi’s details and photograph to the public.

Members of the Joubertina community in Klerksdorp recognised the suspect after his image had been widely circulated across television, radio, social media and online platforms. They subsequently provided information to police, leading to his arrest.

Phakathi is expected to be transported to Johannesburg, where he will face the full might of the law.

Acting National Commissioner of SAPS, Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane, commended the public and media organisations for assisting police in locating the suspect.

“More can be achieved when communities and the media support the work of the police,” Dimpane said.

“The swift response from the people of Klerksdorp shows that communities have a critical role to play in keeping our country safe.”

Dimpane also thanked those who shared the suspect’s photograph and provided information to investigators.

“We thank every person who shared the suspect’s photograph, provided information and helped us bring him within reach of the law,” she said.

SAPS urged communities to continue providing information when they recognise wanted suspects and warned against harbouring or assisting people wanted for serious crimes.

The arrest comes as SAPS observes Women’s Month and steps up its efforts to combat Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF).