Police hunt for suspects in Olorato Mongale murder case
Police have foud the white VW Polo used in Olorato Mongale’s murder. The vehicle was found at a panel beater workshop in Phoenix, Durban.
Image: supplied
A trip in a white VW Polo on Sunday last week turned fatal for Olorato Mongale, 30, whose body was found dumped along a road in Lombardy West, Johannesburg, two hours later, police said. The car allegedly used in the murder was later recovered by the SAPS National Crime Intelligence Unit.
Philangenkosi Makhanya, believed to be one of the main suspects in Ms Mongale’s murder, was killed in a shootout with police on Thursday night in Amanzimtoti, south of Durban.
Ms Mongale went missing after she was picked up at her residence in the VW Polo with false registration plates, by a man known only as 'John.'
Olorato Mongale was murdered on Sunday May 25. Her body was dumped in Lombardy West, Johannesburg
Image: Supplied
The man fetched her at around 3pm and drove her to the township of Alexandra, and then proceeded to Kew in Johannesburg.
A multidisciplinary team led by the police's anti-kidnapping task team seized the vehicle at a panel beater workshop in Phoenix, north of Durban.
The vehicle was found with traces of blood inside. The investigation first led the team to a lodge in Kew, where two suspects, Mr Makhanya and Fezile Ngubane, had booked a room.
Further investigations led police to the home of one of the suspects in KwaMashu in Durban. The suspect’s vehicle was later found at the panel beater's workshop.
Fezile Ngubane and Philangenkosi Makhanya are believed to have been directly involved in the murder of Mongale. Ngubane is on the run, while Makhanya died after getting into a shootout with police in a complex in Amanzimtoti, south of Durban on Thursday night.
Image: SAPS
SAPS national spokesperson, Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, said an elderly man believed to be the owner of the vehicle has been arrested.
His wife was also arrested for tipping off their son, Mr Makhanya that the police were looking for him.
“On Thursday night, police tracked down Mr Makhanya to a residential complex in Amanzimtoti. Mr Makhanya opened fire on the police. The police retaliated and fatally shot him,” said Brigadier Mathe, adding that police were still looking for Ngubane, who along with Makhanya, are believed to have been directly involved in the murder of Ms Mongale.
Earlier on Thursday, Brigadier Mathe indicated that a third suspect, Bongani Mthimkhulu, is also suspected to be involved in the case.
“It is believed that Mr Mthimkhulu is a friend of Mr Makhanya. Investigations are continuing and the search for the suspects has reached a critical and sensitive stage. We thank the victims who have come forward with information,” she said.
According to the police, the suspects are considered to be dangerous and members of the public are cautioned not to come near them.
The public are advised to call Brigadier Nama on 082 778 9035 if the suspects are spotted.
The National Commissioner of the SAPS, General Fannie Masemola has thanked the team various teams that have worked on the case as well as private security for assisting the SAPS's anti-kidnapping task team.
The police are calling on the suspects to hand themselves over at their nearest police station.