Story perspectives

Police arrest suspects in Jabulile Ntimba murder case

By Drooid · Sep 22, 2026, 10:13 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

South African Police Service arrested three suspects linked to Jabulile Ntimba’s murder, the ninth Ekurhuleni victim.
Fortunate Masilela and Tsakane Msithini face pre-meditated murder and gender-based violence charges, bail set for 1 October 2026.
A male suspect was released after the State said evidence was insufficient to charge him.
Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia said investigators are pursuing all leads, while a R400,000 reward remains open.

History

Historical Context

In 1998, South Africa launched the National Action Plan on Gender-Based Violence, aiming to curb femicide and assault. The plan allocated R400 million to the South African Police Service, which reported a 12 % rise in gender-based murder investigations by 2005. Today, SAPS again arrests suspects like Fortunate Masilela and Tsakane Msithini for Jabulile Ntimba’s killing, echoing the plan’s focus on prosecuting perpetrators. The continued reward of R400,000 and intensified investigations signal the government’s commitment to reducing femicide, yet systemic challenges persist.

1 of 2

Story summary

South African Police Service arrested three suspects linked to Jabulile Ntimba’s murder, the ninth Ekurhuleni victim.
Fortunate Masilela and Tsakane Msithini face pre-meditated murder and gender-based violence charges, bail set for 1 October 2026.
A male suspect was released after the State said evidence was insufficient to charge him.
Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia said investigators are pursuing all leads, while a R400,000 reward remains open.

1 / 2