The police have made a significant breakthrough in the investigation into the brutal murder of 30-year-old Olorato Mongale, a Wits University’s master’s student.
The police have confirmed that on Wednesday, the national crime intelligence unit seized a white Volkswagen Polo believed to have been used in the crime at a panelbeater workshop in Phoenix, Durban.
The vehicle’s owner, an elderly man, has been taken into custody, and the search continues for two primary suspects, Fezile Ngubane and Philangenkosi Sibongokuhle Makhanya, who remain at large.
The investigation, led by the anti-kidnapping task team, followed a trail from Johannesburg to KwaZulu-Natal. Initial leads directed the team to a lodge in Kew, Johannesburg, where the suspects had booked a room.
Further intelligence pointed to KwaMashu in Durban, the residence of one suspect, where the vehicle was located.
Traces of blood
The SA Police Service forensic experts confirmed traces of blood inside the VW Polo, solidifying its link to Mongale’s murder.
“The discovery of blood in the vehicle is a critical piece of evidence,” said Colonel Athlenda Mathe, the spokesperson for the police. “We are closing in on those responsible.”
Mongale’s body, showing severe injuries, was found in Lombardy West, Johannesburg, hours after she left her Athol, Sandton, residence on Sunday for a date.
Her phone and handbag were recovered on 9th Road in Kew, and police suspect that the murder was premeditated, with the vehicle’s cloned number plates (LT 57 JG GP) indicating an attempt to evade detection.
The man who was nabbed in KwaZulu-Natal is not believed to be directly involved in the crime, but is linked through ownership of the VW Polo.
Suspects believed to be dangerous
Ngubane and Makhanya are considered dangerous, and the police have urged the public to avoid contact with them and instead report sightings immediately to Brigadier Nama at 082 778-9035.
“We need the public’s help to distribute their photos and bring these individuals to justice,” Mathe said.
National police commissioner General Fannie Masemola praised the collaborative efforts of the Gauteng provincial investigation unit, the DPCI KZN tracking team, the Durban metro police K-9 unit, and private security companies in making the breakthrough in the case.
“Our teams are working tirelessly to ensure justice for Olorato,” Masemola stated.
Mongale’s murder has sparked nationwide outrage, amplifying calls to address South Africa’s gender-based violence crisis.
