Durban, South Africa – 30 May 2025
The primary suspect in the brutal murder of 20-year-old Olorato Mongale has been fatally shot in a confrontation with police in Amanzimtoti, KwaZulu-Natal. The suspect, Philangenkosi Makhanya, was reportedly located by law enforcement officers and opened fire, prompting the police to shoot back.
Makhanya was one of three suspects linked to Mongale’s killing. The other two suspects, Fezile Ngubane and Bongani Mthimkhulu, remain at large. The trio had been under investigation since Mongale’s body was found dumped near Alexandra township in northern Johannesburg last Sunday.
KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi confirmed that Makhanya was tracked to Amanzimtoti, south of Durban. Police approached the location following a tip-off and encountered gunfire. Makhanya died at the scene.
Authorities revealed that Mongale was last seen being picked up by a man driving a VW Polo. Her lifeless body was later discovered in Lombardy West. The vehicle, according to investigators, played a critical role in piecing together the events leading to her death.
In a new development, Makhanya’s parents have been taken into police custody. His father is the registered owner of the VW Polo allegedly used in the crime. Meanwhile, his mother is accused of warning her son that police were approaching, enabling him to escape arrest the night before the shootout.
“We have the mother and father of one of the suspects in custody,” said police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe. “The father owns the vehicle believed to have been used in the commission of the crime. The mother is suspected of alerting her son, which allowed him to flee before officers could apprehend him on Wednesday evening.”
Law enforcement continues the search for the two remaining suspects. Police believe the suspects may be part of a larger criminal syndicate. The investigation has gained national attention, prompting calls for stricter measures to prevent such crimes.
The murder of Olorato Mongale has sent shockwaves across the country, sparking public outrage and calls for justice. In response, the Justice and Constitutional Development Minister, Mmamoloko Kubayi, announced plans to strengthen bail and parole laws to prevent repeat offenders from re-entering society without proper oversight.
The police have urged anyone with information about the whereabouts of Ngubane and Mthimkhulu to come forward. “We are confident our teams on the ground will achieve a breakthrough soon,” said Mathe.
As the hunt continues, the Mongale family and the wider community await justice for the young woman whose life was cut short under tragic and violent circumstances.
