Eersterust Murder Accused Abandons Bail, Court Hears How Helder Isidro Lured Victim via Facebook
- Helder Isidro made his first appearance in the Pretoria Magistrates' Court, where he is charged with murder
- The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) revealed how Isidro lured his victim through social media
- The 36-year-old is also charged with another crime and could be linked to the murder of four other women
Source: Original
Briefly News journalist Byron Pillay has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He spent 10 years working for the Northern Natal Courier before transitioning to online journalism.
GAUTENG - Helder Isidro, the man accused of the Eersterust murder, has abandoned his bail application.
The 36-year-old Isidro appeared in the Pretoria Magistrates Court on Wednesday, 6 August 2025, charged with the murder of Loveness Magabe (30). He was also charged with defeating the ends of justice.
When was Isidro arrested?
Isidro was arrested on 4 August at his grandmother's residence in Limpopo. He was identified as the main suspect following an intensive investigation after police discovered Magabe's body in a shallow grave at his residence in Eersterust on 31 July 2025. The case has been postponed to 15 October 2025 for further investigation.
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He is also facing a rape charge in a separate matter and is scheduled to appear in court for that case on the same date as his next appearance for the murder.
How did Isidro meet his victim?
According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), the accused and the deceased initially met on Facebook and continued chatting via WhatsApp. They then arranged to meet in person at a lodge in Eersterust on 26 July 2025.
Isidro allegedly ordered an Uber for the deceased, which dropped her off at the meeting place, which turned out to be his residence and not a lodge as they had first agreed on. When she got to the destination, Magabe messaged a friend to say it looked dodgy, and also sent her friend a location pin in case she went missing.
When she failed to return home the following day, her friend opened a missing person case at the Sunnyside Police Station, giving officers the last known location.
Source: Getty Images
How did South Africans react?
Social media users were outraged by the murder, with some people even claiming to know the accused. Others warned women about just meeting men at unknown locations.
Tumiso Molebatsi said:
“He looks innocent, but he is cruel😡.”
Karel Lehlogonolo Mdaka stated:
“Some people are monsters. Mentally challenged. Why would he do such a horrible thing?”
Abigail Busu added:
“He must rot in jail.”
Dumisani Baloyi said:
“Ladies, please set the location for a meetup. If a guy is really interested, he will pitch. Your safety matters ladies.”
Sian-adey Salem said.
“A school friend of mine and a daily customer of my business. Never in a million years did I ever imagine that this was what he was doing. My heart goes out to the families and the victims. May God reveal the truth and may justice prevail.”
Community fearful of serial killer in Pretoria
Briefly News reported that the community members in East Pretoria were fearful of a serial killer on the loose.
Fears were raised after police discovered four burned bodies dumped in the area in the past three months.
Brigadier Brenda Muridili said that police are investigating to see if the murders were linked to the Eersterust murder.
Source: Briefly News
