JOHANNESBURG - A male suspect arrested alongside two women in connection with the murder of Jabulile Ntimba has been released, while investigations continue.
Ntimba’s body was discovered dumped in Villa Liza Township in Ekurhuleni last week.
The development comes amid growing concern over the deaths of at least nine women in Ekurhuleni over the past two months, with questions being raised about whether the cases could be linked to a serial killer.
Police say they are investigating possible links between the cases.
Deputy National Police Commissioner Tebello Mosikili says analysts are working to establish whether connections exist, but the circumstances surrounding Ntimba’s death currently point investigators in another direction.
“Analysts are working hard to see if there are links. We are not discounting the possibility of this. In Jabulile Ntimba’s case, it seems to be relationship related.”
The two women accused in Ntimba’s murder, Fortunate Msithini and Tsakane Nesfer, appeared in the Boksburg Magistrate’s Court on Monday.
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They face charges of premeditated murder and obstruction of justice.
Meanwhile, the case against the male suspect has not been enrolled. Police say he is currently considered a person of interest and has not been charged.
“The third suspect’s case has not been enrolled. Investigations are ongoing. The third person is a person of interest, no charges at the moment,” Mosikili said.
Msithini and Nesfer are expected back in court on 1 October, when the State is expected to have finalised its investigations.