A 27 year old man wanted in connection with the murder of his girlfriend in Orlando East, Soweto, has been arrested in the North West following an urgent appeal by the South African Police Service (SAPS) and assistance from the public and media.
Simiso Silomo Phakathi was arrested on Wednesday, 19 August 2026, after members of the Joubertina community in Klerksdorp reportedly recognised him from his photograph, which had been widely circulated across television, radio, social media and online platforms.
Phakathi had been wanted in connection with the murder of his 37 year old live in girlfriend, Jabulisile Josephina Tshabalala, whose body was discovered on 13 August inside the backroom where the couple had been living in Orlando East.
Tshabalala was last seen alive on 7 August. According to SAPS, she had allegedly been stabbed to death and her body was found covered with blankets and clothing. A warrant for Phakathi's arrest on a murder charge had subsequently been issued.
SAPS issued an appeal for Phakathi to hand himself over to police and warned that he was considered dangerous. The appeal was circulated widely by media organisations and members of the public on social media.
Within four hours of SAPS releasing his details, information from members of the Joubertina community assisted police in locating and arresting him.
Acting National Commissioner of SAPS, Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane, commended the community and the media for their assistance in bringing the suspect to the attention of police.
“More can be achieved when communities and the media support the work of the police. The swift response from the people of Klerksdorp shows that communities have a critical role to play in keeping our country safe. We thank every person who shared the suspect’s photograph, provided information and helped us bring him within reach of the law,” Dimpane said.
Phakathi is expected to be transported back to Johannesburg, where he will face the legal process in connection with Tshabalala's murder.
The arrest comes as SAPS observes Women's Month and continues to intensify its efforts to combat Gender Based Violence and Femicide, with a particular focus on ensuring that perpetrators of violence against women are identified, arrested and brought before the courts.
SAPS has urged communities to continue providing information when they recognise wanted suspects, stressing that members of the public should not harbour or assist people wanted for serious and violent crimes.
The police service said the arrest demonstrates the importance of cooperation between law enforcement, communities and the media in ensuring that suspects are brought before the courts.
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