News Desk Reporter
A possible love triangle has emerged as a line of inquiry in the murder of Jabulile Ntimba.
Three suspects have appeared in court in connection with her death. Ntimba’s partially clothed body was found in Villa Liza, near Dawn Park in Boksburg, on 17 September.
Deputy National Commissioner for Policing Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili said there was an indication that Ntimba’s murder may have been linked to a relationship-related matter.
She said police would not disclose further details because doing so could compromise the investigation or the court process.
The three suspects, two women and a man, appeared in the Boksburg Magistrate’s Court on Monday.
Ntimba is among a group of women whose bodies have been discovered in different parts of Gauteng in recent weeks.
Police have listed Busisiwe Mahlangu, Itumeleng Kekana, Nomfesane Mjobo, Gracious Nkomo, Elizabeth Moselakgomo and Dineo Motapane among those whose deaths are being investigated.
The investigation also includes two unidentified women whose families have not yet been informed, as well as a woman whose body was discovered at Soweto Dam on Sunday evening.
Police have stressed that Ntimba’s murder has not been linked to the other cases.
Mosikili said investigators were working to identify those responsible but would not rush into making arrests without evidence strong enough to withstand scrutiny in court.
“It may take time, but we want to be sure,” Mosikili said outside the Boksburg Magistrate’s Court on Monday.
“We want to make sure that when we arrest, we arrest the right people, based on evidence that can stand before a court of law.”
A strengthened multidisciplinary team, including experienced detectives and specialists, is examining evidence and following credible leads.
“We are hopeful that we are getting closer to the truth,” Mosikili said.
Police have kept a R400,000 reward available for information that could help solve the cases. No one has yet come forward to claim the reward.
The first suspect arrested in connection with the murder of Busisiwe Mahlangu remains in custody.
He has appeared before the Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court several times and is expected back in court on 28 October.
Mosikili said the investigations remained a priority.
“We are going to find those responsible. Each one of them,” she said.
Police have urged anyone with information that could assist investigators to come forward.
“We cannot allow women to be talked down to, threatened, intimidated or subjected to violence,” Mosikili said.
“Every woman has the right to dignity, safety and respect,” she added.