Overview
- Police arrested 27-year-old Simiso Silomo Phakathi in the North West after residents recognised his photograph and tipped officers, and the arrest came within about four hours of the image being released.
- Phakathi is wanted for the alleged stabbing murder of his 37-year-old live‑in partner, Jabulisile Josephina Tshabalala, whose body was found in an Orlando East backroom on 13 August after she was last seen on 7 August.
- Investigators had obtained a J50 arrest warrant for Phakathi and described him as dangerous, and authorities said they will transport him to Johannesburg to face a murder charge.
- Acting National Police Commissioner Puleng Dimpane and SAPS spokespeople credited media amplification and the Joubertina community for the rapid tip-off and urged the public not to harbour or assist wanted suspects.
- Police said investigations are ongoing during Women’s Month as part of intensified efforts to tackle gender‑based violence and femicide, and they continue to solicit information from the public to support prosecution.