Soweto murder suspect CAUGHT just hours after urgent manhunt
· The South African
Police arrested a 27-year-old man within four hours of releasing his photograph in connection with his live-in girlfriend’s murder in Soweto.
Simiso Silomo Phakathi was nabbed in the Klerksdorp area in the North West on Wednesday, 19 August.
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Members of the Joubertina community recognised him from the widely circulated image and alerted police.
Phakathi is accused of murdering Jabulisile Josephina Tshabalala, 37, whose body was found in an Orlando East backroom on 13 August.
Community tip-off leads police to suspect
SAPS circulated Phakathi’s photograph across television, radio, social media and online platforms as officers searched for him.
Acting National Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane said the public response helped officers track him down quickly. She also credited media houses with amplifying the appeal.
“More can be achieved when communities and the media support the work of the police,” Dimpane said.
“The swift response from the people of Klerksdorp shows that communities have a critical role to play in keeping our country safe.”
Woman found dead in Soweto backroom
Tshabalala was last seen alive on 7 August. Six days later, officers found her body inside the Orlando East backroom she shared with Phakathi.
She had allegedly been stabbed to death. Her body was covered with blankets and clothes.
Investigators later obtained a J50 warrant for Phakathi’s arrest on a murder charge.
SAPS national spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe warned earlier on Wednesday that authorities considered him dangerous.
Police released his photograph and urged anyone who recognised him to come forward.
Hours later, the community tip-off brought the search to an end.
Suspect to return to Johannesburg
Police will transport Phakathi back to Johannesburg, where he is expected to face a murder charge.
Dimpane urged South Africans to continue providing information when they recognise wanted suspects.
The arrest comes during Women’s Month as SAPS steps up efforts to tackle gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) and bring perpetrators to court.