Big development in search for Olorato Mongale’s killers
Officers also seized the wanted VW polo that was allegedly used in the murder of Mongale.
The South African Police Service (Saps) have added a third suspect to a list of wanted persons related to the murder case of Olorato Mongale.
National Crime Intelligence Unit made a breakthrough and arrested an elderly man in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) in connection with the murder of the 30-year-old Mongale.
Police officers also seized the wanted VW Polo that was allegedly used in the murder of Mongale.
Suspects
Earlier, police said they were searching for two men, Fezile Ngubane and Philangenkosi Sibongokuhle Makhanya, believed to have been directly involved in the murder of Olorato.
Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said they’ve now added a third suspect to the list.
“Bongani Mthimkhulu, who is a friend of Philangenkosi Makhanya, is also a wanted suspect in this case,” Mathe said.
“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.”
Body found
According to police, Mongale was last seen on Sunday when she went on a date with her “alleged killer”, who picked her up from her residential complex in Athol, Johannesburg, driving a white VW Polo with a cloned number plate that belonged to a Toyota Hilux.
Mongale’s body was later found in Lombardy West on Sunday afternoon by the Saps with the assistance of community members.
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A multidisciplinary team led by the Saps anti-kidnapping task team on Wednesday night seized the wanted vehicle at a panel beater workshop in Phoenix, Durban.
Arrest
Mathe said the investigation first led the team to a lodge in Kew, Johannesburg, where two suspects had booked a room.
“Further intelligence led them to KwaMashu in Durban to the home of one of the suspects. The suspects’ vehicle was later found at this panel-beater workshop. Upon inspection by Saps forensic experts, traces of blood were found inside the vehicle.
“An elderly man believed to be the owner of the vehicle has been arrested, but police are still searching for two men believed to have been directly involved in the murder of Olorato,” Mathe said.
Manhunt
Mathe said the two suspects are on the run.
“Members of the public are urged to distribute their photos far and wide to assist police investigations. The police are searching for Fezile Ngubane and Philangenkosi Sibongokuhle Makhanya.
“The pair is considered to be dangerous, and members of the public are cautioned not to come near them. These suspects are warned to hand themselves over at their nearest police station.
“If seen, immediately call Brigadier Nama on +27 (82) 778-9035,” Mathe said.
Mathe said the National Commissioner of the Saps, General Fannie Masemola, thanked the team working on the case.
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