Man linked to Thembisa woman’s murder found dead in Midrand

A murder investigation in Thembisa has taken a new turn after a man linked to the death of 23-year-old Boitumelo Gift Mashita was found dead inside his vehicle in Midrand.

Mashita was shot and killed early on Monday morning, 28 September, while reportedly making her way to work in Temong, Mapungubwe Street.

Police initially opened a murder and robbery case after her belongings were allegedly taken during the shooting.

The latest development has shifted the investigation, with police now also looking into the circumstances surrounding the death of a man they had identified as a person of interest.

Man linked to murder found in Midrand

According to police, the man was Mashita’s estranged husband and had been linked to her killing by the investigating team.

The SAPS Tembisa Tracking Team had been tracing him as part of the investigation.

Police were later alerted by officers at Midrand Police Station that the vehicle they had been looking for had been located within their policing precinct.

The man was found dead inside the vehicle.

Police said it is believed he may have ingested an unknown substance. At this stage, no foul play is suspected in connection with his death.

A post-mortem examination will be conducted to establish the exact cause of death.

Midrand police are expected to register an inquest case.

Mashita was killed on her way to work

The initial police report said the 23-year-old was attacked at about 05:45 on Monday morning.

She was reportedly on her way to work when she was shot during an alleged robbery.

Her belongings were taken during the incident.

Police confirmed that Mashita had been identified, although her family had initially still needed to be formally notified.

The investigation was already underway, with officers following up on leads. No arrests had been made at the time of the initial statement.

Police separate case from other Ekurhuleni investigations

The murder comes amid recent cases involving the discovery of women’s bodies in Ekurhuleni.

However, police said preliminary investigations had not established a connection between Mashita’s killing and those cases.

The latest development involving her estranged husband is now likely to form an important part of the ongoing investigation, while the circumstances surrounding both deaths will need to be established through police investigations and forensic processes.

Police appeal for information

SAPS is appealing to anyone who may have information that could assist with the investigation to come forward.

Information can be reported at a local police station or through Crime Stop on 08600 10111.

Tip-offs can also be submitted through the MySAPS App.

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Source: SAPS