Eersterust community demands justice as the alleged ‘Tinder Killer’ faces new charges

 

The mother of one of the victims of the alleged “Tinder Killer”, Helder Isidro, says he deserves to spend the rest of his life behind bars, warning that he may commit more heinous crimes, if he is set free.

Isidiro appeared at the Pretoria Magistrates Court on Wednesday, in connection with two separate cases, both involving violent abuse against women.

The 37-year-old was arrested in early August after police discovered the charred remains of a woman identified as 30-year-old Loveness Magabe—believed to have been sexually assaulted—on his property, days after she was reported missing by her friends.

Among those demanding justice outside court was, Abigail Senda, the mother of 35-year-old Nichol Musengi, who was found murdered on 12 July.

“The guy must rot in jail if he is found guilty because there a too many bodies which were found which were killed and burned by Watloo in the same style. He must not come out because he will keep on doing the same thing to other women,” said Senda.

The Eersterust community says they are living in fear and have demanded justice for the women allegedly murdered by the man known as the “Tinder Killer.”

It was revealed in court that the accused, Helder Isidro, had been released on bail—despite standing trial for a rape he allegedly committed in 2023—when he was re-arrested in August for the murder of a woman he had reportedly met online.

According to court testimony, on Mandela Day in 2023, Isidro allegedly confronted 28-year-old Eremina Mosiamedi near the Watloo train station in Pretoria. He reportedly dragged her at gunpoint to a secluded area and ordered her to undress.

State Prosecutor, Advocate Andries Ntjana, reports that Isidro allegedly forcefully instructed his victim to perform oral sex on him before proceeding to rape her.

It is further reported that after committing the alleged assault, Isidro robbed the victim of her phone before letting her go.

He was arrested a week later after the victim recognised him in the neighbourhood.

He has now been formally charged with – one count of penetrative rape, one count of oral rape, one count of robbery with aggravating circumstances, and one count of kidnapping.

Voice It In Action’s ,Kgothatso Moloto, says communities must hold police accountable for not investigating and prioritising such heinous crimes.

“There are policies and there are laws and those that are in the police force, I do believe that they have studied and understood the prescripts, however they are not applying them. Communities need to apply external pressure and force on the police so that they can apply those policies correctly. If a person is turned back from a police station we should want to know about it so we can hold the police stations accountable in an effort to reduce such challenges,” said Moloto.

Eersterust Gender-Based Violence Brigades team leader, Falencia Bernardes, called on men to play an active role in protecting women in society.

She accused the justice system of failing to protect citizens, condemning the fact that Isidro had previously been granted bail.

“It is so heartbreaking that we are supposed to feel safe and protected by our men but these days it’s not like that. So please men, help us, keep us safe, and make our image look good and beautiful,” she said.

The murder case of Loveness Magabe has been postponed to 14 January 2026, as forensic investigations are still underway.

Meanwhile, the rape and robbery case involving Eremina Mosiamedi has been postponed to 13 November 2025 in the Eersterust Magistrates’ Court.

Written by: Odirile Rabalao