A 45-year-old woman, Sonell Joubert, appeared before the Tonga Magistrate’s Court on Monday following her arrest for the murder of Jurgen Nel. Joubert, the owner of Tswale Educational Elephant Interactions, was taken into custody earlier this month after Nel’s body was discovered at Lowhills Farm in Kamhlushwa, near Komatipoort.
Mpumalanga provincial police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Jabu Ndubane, confirmed the brutal killing took place last Monday. Authorities responded to the scene after receiving reports of the incident. Upon arrival, they found Nel with multiple stab wounds. Paramedics declared him dead at the scene.
A murder investigation was immediately launched, and preliminary findings suggest a violent confrontation took place before Nel was fatally stabbed. While the exact motive remains unclear, police are continuing their investigation to uncover the full circumstances leading to the attack.
Joubert was arrested and appeared in court, where the case was postponed to February 18. During her next court appearance, she is expected to apply for bail.
According to reports from The Lowvelder, Joubert had recently filed a charge against Nel, accusing him of violating a protection order she had previously obtained against him. She alleged that he had insulted and assaulted her prior to the fatal altercation. Authorities will now investigate whether this past conflict played a role in the tragic events that unfolded.
