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[File photo] The late Olorato Mongale
Police say they are still searching for Bongani Mthimkulu in their investigation into the killing of Olorato Mongale and have called on him to hand himself over at his nearest police station.
However, the SAPS says one of the wanted people, Fezile Ngubane, has been cleared. Ngubane was initially identified as a suspect in a syndicate targeting young women, but investigations indicate he was a victim and not a suspect. Mongale’s body was discovered in Lombardy West, Johannesburg, on Monday – a day after she went on a date.
Following preliminary investigations by police. They indicated that Fezile Ngubane was a victim and not a suspect in the case. Ngubane was later released from police custody.
Police National spokesperson Athlenda Mathe elaborates.
“According to a preliminary report, Ngubane washes cars for a living and stays in the same neighborhood as 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 the possession of the deceased.”
Two of the suspects are Bongani Mthimkhulu, who is on the run, and Philangenkosi Makhanya, who was shot and killed in a shootout with police in Amanzimtoti, KwaZulu-Natal, on Friday. They were out on bail – on a schedule six charge for kidnapping and robbery in Johannesburg – but were inexplicably released by the courts on bail in April.
Makhanya also had a pending case in Brakpan, which he was due to appear for on Monday. And an additional case of kidnapping in KwaMashu, in which he was a person of interest in police investigations.
WATCH: Olorato Mongale Murder | Search for Bongani Mthimkhulu continues
Police say they have also released the parents of one of the two suspects in the case after their statements were taken down. This is a story that captured national sentiment — the heartbreaking end to a young woman’s life, her future tragically cut short.
Mathe says they are still searching for Bongani Mthimkulu and have called on him to hand himself over at his nearest police station.
“Police are sitting with at least 20 cases where women have come forward identifying the suspects as those that kidnapped and robbed them. Some of these cases were reported in Potchefstroom, Bloemfontein, Midrand, Ogies, and Nelspruit in Mpumalanga, Pretoria, and Johannesburg. The search for Bongani Mthimkulu continues, and police once again call on Mthimkulu to hand himself over at his nearest police station.”
Criminal expert Mark Bolhuis has warned women to be extra vigilant.
“Well, first of all, the ladies must be careful out there. The crimes against children, women, and the elderly are out of hand in our country, and it’s Children’s Protection Week. I want to give a stern warning to the criminals that those of us who fight the crime are out there to get you, but I want to warn the ladies not to be with just anybody.”
Despite several attempts to obtain comment, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) remained unavailable to give clarity on why Bongani Mthimkhulu and Philangenkosi Makhanya were given bail in a schedule six offense in April.
Olorato Mongale will be laid to rest on Sunday in Bloemfontein.
