Phakathi arrested after community, media help police trace Soweto murder suspect

Simiso Silomo Phakathi, 27, has been arrested in connection with the murder of his girlfriend, Jabulisile Josephina Tshabalala, in Soweto.

Acting national police commissioner Lt-Gen Puleng Dimpane has thanked communities and the media for helping police trace Simiso Silomo Phakathi , 27, who was arrested hours after his picture was released in connection with the murder of his girlfriend, Jabulisile Josephina Tshabalala, in Soweto.

The development comes after police said on Wednesday that, as they observe Women’s Month, they were intensifying their fight against gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF).

These include the tracing and apprehension of suspects wanted in connection with crimes against women, children and vulnerable groups.

National police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said the South African Police Service (SAPS) had called on Phakathi to hand himself over to the nearest police station after Tshabalala was found stabbed to death in Orlando East, Soweto.

“Her body was discovered on August 13, 2026 inside the backroom where she had been residing with the suspect.”

Mathe said Tshabalala had allegedly been stabbed to death and her body was found covered with blankets and clothes.

The police had then issued a firm warning to Phakathi to hand himself over at the nearest police station without delay.

“There is nowhere to hide, and police will continue pursuing every lead until you are brought before a court of law,” they said at the time, warning people that he was considered dangerous.

Jabulisile Josephina Tshabalala, 37, was found stabbed to death in Orlando East, Soweto.

On Wednesday night, Mathe said Dimpane had commended communities across the country, particularly the community of Joubertina in Klerksdorp, for responding swiftly to the call for assistance in tracing Phakathi.

Dimpane also thanked media houses that amplified the appeal and helped ensure that his image reached communities far and wide.

Mathe said that within four hours of the SAPS releasing Phakathi’s details, members of the Joubertina community provided critical information to police after recognising him from his photograph, which had been widely circulated on television, radio, social media and online platforms.

“The suspect has since been arrested and will be transported back to Johannesburg, where he will face the full might of the law for the murder of his girlfriend,” she said.