-
Fezile Ngubane has been identified as a victim of crime.
One of the people wanted in connection with the murder of 30-year-old Olorato Mongale has been cleared. The South African Police Service says that Fezile Ngubane, who was initially identified as a suspect in a syndicate targeting young women, has been released from police custody following preliminary investigations.
Police say Ngubane is a victim and not a suspect in the case.
#sapsHQ [OLORATO MURDER CASE] UPDATE – The South African Police Service (SAPS) wishes to inform the nation that Fezile Ngubane who was initially identified as a suspect in a syndicate targeting young women has been cleared.
Ngubane’s father handed him in at the KwaMashu police… pic.twitter.com/lW7ihQzjss
— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) May 31, 2025
Mongale’s body was discovered dumped in Lombardy West, Johannesburg, on Monday, a day after she went on a date with a man driving a VW Polo.
The main suspect in the matter, Philangenkosi Makhanya, was shot and killed in a shootout with police in Amanzimtoti, KwaZulu-Natal yesterday.
Police say they have also released the parents of one of the two suspects in the case after their statements were taken down.
National spokesperson Athlenda Mathe says they are still searching for Bongani Mthimkulu and have called on him to hand himself over at his nearest police station.
“According to a preliminary report, Ngubane washes cars for a living and stays in the same neighbourhood as the deceased Philangenkosi Makhanya. Makhanya allegedly identified Ngubane as a soft target and took his ID smart card and used it to Rica sim cards that Makhanya would use to commit his long list of kidnapping and robbery crimes targeted at young women. At times, it’s alleged that he would use Ngubane’s bank card to buy at various clothing stores. Ngubane’s ID was found as part of the 27 ID smart cards found in possession of the deceased.”
VIDEO | Olorato Mongale – Main suspect’s friend speaks out:
