Thembisa Murder: Estranged Husband Found Dead In Midrand After Boitumelo Mashita Was Shot

Police tracing the estranged husband of Boitumelo Gift Mashita after her murder in Thembisa were led to a shocking discovery in Midrand on Monday evening. The 23-year-old Mashita was shot dead in Temong, Mapungubwe Street, at about 5:45am while she was reportedly on her way to work. Her belongings were taken during what police described as an alleged robbery.

Gauteng police later identified Mashita’s estranged husband as a person of interest in the murder investigation. As the SAPS Tembisa Tracking Team worked to locate him, Midrand police informed investigators that his vehicle had been found within their policing precinct with his body inside.

Thembisa Murder: Police Trace Estranged Husband After Boitumelo Mashita Shooting

The Thembisa murder investigation took a dramatic turn when officers linked Mashita’s estranged husband to the case and began searching for him. Police have not established a connection between Mashita’s killing and the recent cases involving women whose bodies were discovered across Ekurhuleni.

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“The team was subsequently informed by the Midrand Police Station that his vehicle had been found within its policing precinct, with his body inside,” SAPS said. Police believe the man may have ingested an unknown substance, while no foul play is suspected in his death at this stage.

A post-mortem examination will be conducted to establish the exact cause of his death. Midrand police will also open an inquest case as investigations continue.

Thembisa Murder Investigation: What Police Say About Mashita’s Death

The Thembisa murder investigation began after Mashita was found shot in Temong early on Monday morning. Police said she was reportedly travelling to work when she was attacked during an alleged robbery, with her belongings taken from the scene.

SAPS said preliminary investigations had not found any link between Mashita’s death and the string of cases involving women found dead in Ekurhuleni. The circumstances surrounding her killing remain under investigation, with police continuing to follow up on information.

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The developments come as concern continues over the number of women found dead in Ekurhuleni in recent months. The discovery of another woman’s body in Springs over the weekend brought the number of women’s bodies found in the metro since July to 11, according to reports.

Thembisa Murder: Ramaphosa Responds To Ekurhuleni Women’s Killings

The Thembisa murder has unfolded against the backdrop of heightened concern over violence against women in Gauteng. President Cyril Ramaphosa previously said the government had directed law enforcement agencies to prioritise the investigations into the killings of women in and around Kempton Park.

“I speak for all of us as I extend my deepest condolences to all families and communities affected by the killing of women recently found in and around Kempton Park,” Ramaphosa said. “These incidents are causing fear and uncertainty in our communities, and especially among women.”

“I have spoken to the Minister of Police and the Acting National Police Commissioner, who have briefed me on the investigation. I have directed that these cases be prioritised and that no stone be left unturned in bringing those responsible to justice,” he said.