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1 month ago
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Olorato Mongale was murdered on Sunday after meeting a man for a date.
- Police recovered a white Volkswagen Polo linked to Olorato Mongale’s murder, finding traces of blood inside.
- National police said that the car was located at a panel beating workshop in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal.
- The two suspects, Fezile Ngubane and Philangenkosi Sibongokuhle Makhanya, are on the run, while an elderly man was arrested.
Following the arrest of an elderly man in connection with the murder of Olorato, police have now updated their wanted suspect list, adding a third man, Bongani Mthimkhulu.
Earlier on Thursday, News24 reported that the white Volkswagen Polo, believed to have been used in the murder of 30-year-old Mongale, was recovered in KwaZulu-Natal.
Police confirmed that traces of blood were found in the vehicle, and its alleged owner, an elderly man was arrested.
Police also said they were searching for suspects Fezile Ngubane and Philangenkosi Sibongokuhle Makhanya.
Police spokesperson, Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said they are now searching for a third suspect, Mthimkhulu, who is a friend of Makhanya.
“Investigations are continuing and the search for all suspects has reached a critical and sensitive stage. Thank you to all victims who have come forward and those that have called Brigadier Nama with information on the suspects’ movements for their cooperation,” Mathe said.
Mongale’s body was discovered in Gauteng on Sunday afternoon after she went on a date with a man she had recently met.
She was picked up in a white Volkswagen Polo at her residential complex in Atholl, Johannesburg.
Mathe said the Crime Intelligence Unit recovered the car at a panel beating workshop in Phoenix, Durban, on Wednesday.
Crime Intelligence Unit recovered the car at a panel beating workshop in Phoenix, Durban, on Wednesday.
Mathe said the breakthrough in Mongale’s murder followed an intensive investigation led by a multi-disciplinary team, including the SAPS Anti-Kidnapping Task Team.
She said the team’s efforts initially directed them to a lodge in Kew, Johannesburg, where two suspects had reportedly booked a room.
“Further intelligence led them to KwaMashu in Durban, which was the home of one of the suspects. The suspect’s vehicle was later found at this panel-beater workshop. Upon inspection by SAPS forensic experts, traces of blood were found inside the vehicle,” Mathe said.
Bongani Mthimkhulu (left) and Philangenkosi Makhanya (right) are suspects wanted in the Olorato Mongale murder case.
“Police are still searching for two men (Ngubane and Makhanya.) believed to have been directly involved in the murder of Olorato.
“The two suspects are on the run and members of the public are urged to distribute their photos far and wide to assist police investigations,” Mathe said.
Philangenkosi Makhanya is wanted by police for the murder of Olorato Mongale.
She said the duo is considered dangerous and community members are cautioned not to confront them.
Police are searching for Fezile Ngubane.
Police urged members of the public to immediately contact Brigadier Nama at 082 778 9035 if they spot the suspects.
“These suspects are warned to hand themselves over at their nearest police station,” Mathe said.
National police commissioner General Fannie Masemola has expressed gratitude to the task team and its collaborative partners, which include the SAPS Gauteng Provincial Investigation Unit, the KZN Hawks Tracking Team, Durban Metro Police K-9 Unit, as well as private security services.
