Two women accused of murdering Jabulile Ntimba, the ninth woman in the Ekurhuleni killings investigation, appeared in the Boksburg Magistrates’ Court on Monday.
The appearance comes after Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi joined the murder probe and police announced a breakthrough in Ntimba’s murder.
Fortunate Masilela and Tsakane Nester Msithini face charges including premeditated murder and defeating or obstructing the course of justice.
A third suspect, a man, was released after the State said there was insufficient evidence to enrol him.
The court ruled that only audio recordings of the proceedings would be allowed. Images of the accused and presiding officers may not be published.
Per our X post below, the NOWinSA captured footage of the two women entering court while taking steps to conceal their faces.
Why the Jabulile Ntimba murder accused cannot be shown
The State opposed broader media coverage, saying the investigation was at an advanced stage and that showing the accused could jeopardise an official identity parade.
Section 37(1)(b) of the Criminal Procedure Act provides for police identification procedures.
Guidance on identification parades stresses the importance of preventing witnesses from seeing a suspect beforehand.
The defence also raised dignity and privacy, noting that the accused are mothers of minor children.
The South African Constitution protects dignity and privacy. Section 28(2) makes a child’s best interests paramount.
Section 154(3) of the Criminal Procedure Act separately restricts publication that reveals or may reveal the identity of children involved in criminal proceedings.
The Constitutional Court has also recognised the importance of protecting children from the potentially harmful effects of publicity.
These protections do not automatically conceal the identities of adult accused.
In this case, the court’s specific order prevents images of the two women from being published while the matter is before court.
How the case fits the wider Ekurhuleni probe
Ntimba’s murder is being investigated alongside a series of killings that has raised concerns about possible links between some of the cases.
The investigation previously included the discovery of Elizabeth ‘Tsontso’ Moselakgomo’s body near Kempton Park.
Mkhwanazi’s involvement also brings a senior officer whose 2025 allegations about police corruption and drug-syndicate links led to the Madlanga Commission.
NOWinSA will comply with the court order and publish only footage that does not identify the accused.
