A 45-year-old woman, Sonell Joubert, appeared before the Tonga Magistrate’s Court on 10 February after being arrested for murder.

Joubert, the owner of Tswale Educational Elephant Interactions, was arrested earlier this month following the discovery of Jurgen Nel’s body at Lowhills Farm.

Mpumalanga provincial police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Jabu Ndubane, said the brutal murder took place on 3 February.

“According to a report, on that fateful day, the suspect allegedly stabbed and killed Jurgens Nel, 45, at a certain farm in Kamhlushwa near Komatipoort,” she said.

Police and paramedics were notified about the incident.

“Upon arrival at the farm, the victim had sustained multiple visible wounds and was unfortunately certified dead at the scene,” said Ndubane.

A murder case was opened, and an investigation was launched.

Preliminary police findings indicate that Nel was allegedly stabbed by Joubert, although the motive is yet to be determined.

“Further investigation suggests that there could have been some kind of a scuffle that broke out prior to the fatal stabbing. However, through further investigations, the truth of what transpired will be revealed,” said Ndubane.

Joubert was later arrested, and after her court appearance, the case was postponed to February 18.

She is expected to seek bail during her next court appearance.

Reports indicate that Joubert had recently laid a charge against Nel for violating a protection order she had obtained against him. According to the report, Joubert claimed that Nel had insulted and assaulted her.