The murder charge against Sonell Joubert (43) was struck off the roll by the Tonga Magistrate’s Court today after the prosecution’s request for a further postponement to continue investigations was denied.

Monica Nyuswa, the spokesperson for the NPA, confirmed the development to Lowvelder.

Background

Joubert was accused of the premeditated murder of Jurgens Nel, whose body was found with multiple stab wounds on Lowhills Farm in Mpumalanga on February 3. The state classified the matter as a Schedule 6 offence, highlighting its severity and the presumption against bail.

The events leading to Nel’s death began on February 1, when Joubert reported to KaMhlushwa Police Station that Nel had violated a protection order she had obtained against him. That evening, police visited Lowhills Farm, where Joubert and her partner, Johann Möller, told officers that Nel had locked himself inside a house, claiming he was armed and aggressive. The couple said they would sleep elsewhere, and the officers left.

On February 3, Sergeant Bonginkosi Given Nguyuza and seven colleagues returned to the farm to arrest Nel. Joubert guided them to a padlocked house, where Nguyuza discovered Nel’s body with visible stab wounds.

Legal proceedings

Joubert told police she had acted in self-defence and was asked to provide a written statement the following day. She was arrested on February 4 and appeared in court the same day. Her initial bail application was denied, and she remained in custody until May 29, when the Mpumalanga Division of the High Court granted R15  000 bail under strict conditions.

These conditions included reporting to Tonga Police Station twice weekly, remaining within the district, notifying authorities of any address changes, and avoiding contact with state witnesses. Breaches would result in immediate arrest and forfeiture of bail.

Throughout the proceedings, Joubert changed legal representation multiple times. Johannesburg-based attorney Marco Lamberti withdrew over alleged non-payment, and Adv Hennie van Rensburg later took over, successfully appealing the bail denial.

In her affidavit, Joubert stated her intention to plead not guilty, asserting: “I deny that I have committed the above-mentioned charge. I am not guilty and have no doubt that this will be the result after the trial.” However, the trial never commenced.

Case status

Nyuswa said the magistrate declined the prosecution’s request for another postponement, citing insufficient grounds. As a result, the charge was struck off the roll today.

She emphasised that this does not mark the end of the case. “The magistrate denied us a further postponement for further investigations. That means we have the right to finalise the investigations and re-enrol the case at a later stage,” said Nyuswa.