Johannesburg – Simiso Silomo Phakathi, who was wanted by police in connection with the murder of his 37-year-old girlfriend, has been arrested.
Police put out a wanted notice for the 27-year-old Phakathi after his live-in lover, Jabulisile Josephina Tshabalala, was found dead.
Phakathi, referred to by neighbours as a “Ben 10” for dating an older woman, lived with Tshabalala in Soweto.
Police started looking for Phakathi after the body of his lover was found with stab wounds.
South African Police Service (SAPS) spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said the wanted “Ben 10” was flushed out of his hideout by the community of Joubertina in Klerksdorp.
“Within four hours of SAPS releasing the suspect’s details, members of the Joubertina community provided critical information to the police after recognising him from his photograph, which had been widely circulated across television, radio, social media and online platforms,” Brigadier Mathe said late Wednesday, 19 August 2026.
“The suspect has since been arrested and will be transported back to Johannesburg, where he will face the full might of the law for the murder of his girlfriend.”
Commenting on the swift arrest, Acting SAPS National Commissioner Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane said: “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.”
The acting national commissioner encouraged other communities to provide information to the police whenever they recognise wanted suspects.
“There is no hiding place for perpetrators of serious and violent crimes,” warned SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Mathe.
“Those who commit such crimes will be pursued relentlessly, wherever they may be, until they are brought before a court of law.”
She said during Women’s Month, SAPS was intensifying its fight against Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) and strengthening efforts to ensure that perpetrators of violence against women were swiftly identified, arrested and brought before the courts.
The murder-accused Phakathi will appear before the Orlando Magistrate’s Court in Soweto on Friday, 21 August 2026, in connection with the murder of his girlfriend, Tshabalala.
