A man identified by police as a person of interest in the murder of 23-year-old Boitumelo Gift Mashita in Tembisa has been found dead inside his vehicle in Midrand.

Mashita was shot and killed in Temong, Mapungubwe Street, Tembisa, at about 05:45 on September 28 while reportedly on her way to work. According to police spokesperson Brigadier Brenda Muridili, investigators linked the man to the murder, and the Tembisa police tracking team had been tracing him.

Read more: Kanana triple murder case ends with suspect suicide

The tracking team was later informed by Midrand police that the man’s vehicle had been found within the Midrand policing precinct with his body inside. “No foul play is suspected at this stage. A post-mortem examination will be conducted to determine the exact cause of death,” said Muridili.

Midrand police are expected to register an inquest case to investigate the circumstances surrounding his death, which came hours after police launched a murder and robbery investigation following the shooting of Mashita.

Police said Mashita’s belongings were taken during the incident, which was initially being investigated as an alleged robbery. Muridili said the circumstances surrounding Mashita’s death remained under investigation and that no arrests have been made.

Also read: Murder investigation launched after man found stabbed in Mayibuye

She also said preliminary investigations had not established any link between Mashita’s murder and recent cases involving the discovery of women’s bodies in Kempton Park and Ekurhuleni. “No one has been arrested yet, and police are following up on leads,” said Muridili.

Police are appealing to anyone with information that could assist the investigation to contact their nearest police station, Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or submit information through the MySAPS App.

Follow us on our WhatsApp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates!