Alleged killer boyfriend arrested after community tip-off

Community participation and collaboration with police have helped lead to the arrest of the man accused of killing 37-year-old Jabulisile Tshabalala.

Police made a breakthrough after arresting her 27-year-old boyfriend, Simiso Phakathi, in the North West.

Tshabalala was found dead in the back room where she lived with the accused, who is believed to have been her romantic partner.

Police say her body was found covered in blankets and clothes after she was reported missing. A warrant of arrest was subsequently issued for Phakathi.

Tshabalala was last seen alive on 07 August 2026, while her body was only discovered on 13 August.

According to the police, within four hours of SAPS releasing the Phakathi’s details, members of the Joubertina community provided crucial information to the police after recognising him from his photograph.

National Police spokesperson, Athlenda Mathe, says Phakathi will be brought back to Johannesburg, where he will be charged with murder.

#sapsHQ [BOYFRIEND WHO MURDERED GIRLFRIEND NABBED IN NORTH WEST AFTER MEDIA HOUSES AND SOCIAL MEDIA COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE]
The Acting National Commissioner of the #SAPS, Lt Gen Puleng Dimpane, has commended communities across the country, particularly the community of Joubertina… https://t.co/JiWbTcAWa0 pic.twitter.com/O8FYmSovrc

— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) August 20, 2026

Meanwhile, Civic Movement, Forum for South Africa (FOSA) says Phakathi’s arrest demonstrates the importance of community cooperation in helping law enforcement track down wanted suspects.

FOSA leader, Tebogo Mashilompane, says Tshabalala’s family deserves justice, accountability and closure.

“We commend the South African Police Service, the Joubertina community, media organisations and members of the public who assisted in ensuring that the suspect was identified and apprehended within hours of his details being circulated.”

“We further urge communities to continue working with law enforcement by providing credible information about wanted suspects. However, the public must never take the law into their own hands or resort to vigilantism.”

Simiso Phakathi killed and wrapped up Jabulile Tshabalala with a blanket and clothes and left her in her room in Soweto. 🥹🥹💔💔 pic.twitter.com/CF8uoqfnFI

— Village Guluva (@VillageGuluva) August 20, 2026

Cowards kill Women. Bringing back death penalty is the only way to curb these crimes

— AdvocateForCountries (@PunterHunter26) August 20, 2026