The estranged husband of 23-year-old Boitumelo Gift Mashita, who was shot and killed in Thembisa on this morning, has been found dead inside his vehicle in Midrand.

Gauteng police said the man had been identified as a person of interest in the murder and was being traced by the SAPS Tembisa Tracking Team.

“Mashita was shot and killed at about 05:45 on September 28 in Temong, Mapungubwe Street, while she was reportedly on her way to work,” said SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Brenda Muridili.

Mashita was identified at the scene by her uncle, MC Khoza, who told the Kempton Express/The Thembisan that her belongings had been found, but her cellphone was missing.

Also read: 23-year-old woman killed in early morning Thembisa robbery

According to SAPS, the investigating team subsequently linked Mashita’s estranged husband to her murder and began tracing him.

“The team was later informed by Midrand police that the man’s vehicle had been found within the Midrand Police Station precinct, with his body inside,” said Muridili.

Police said it is believed he may have ingested an unknown substance.

“No foul play is suspected at this stage,” said Muridili.

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

Midrand police will register an inquest case for further investigation.

The circumstances surrounding Mashita’s murder remain under investigation.