KEY POINTS
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Two suspects in Olorato Mongale’s murder were already out on bail for kidnapping and robbery.
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Police linked the white VW Polo used in her murder to a previous crime and located it in KwaZulu-Natal.
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Authorities are appealing for public help in locating the three suspects, believed to be involved in multiple cases.
Two of the three suspects wanted in connection with the brutal murder of 22-year-old Olorato Mongale had previously been arrested for kidnapping and robbery just weeks before the crime, police revealed on Thursday.
National police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe disclosed during a media briefing outside the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court that Philangenkosi Makhanya and Bongani Mthimkhulu were arrested in Brakpan on April 20 in a separate incident, during which they allegedly kidnapped a woman and stole her belongings.
Sowetanlive reports that the arrest was made after a patrolling officer grew suspicious of a white VW Polo — the same car reportedly used to pick up Mongale before her disappearance.
“When the officer confronted the men, he found a kidnapped woman inside the vehicle and arrested the two immediately,” said Mathe. “They appeared in court on April 22 and were granted bail on April 26.”
Vehicle linked to Mongale murder found in KwaZulu-Natal
On Saturday, Olorato Mongale’s body was discovered dumped in Lombardy, near Alexandra, in northern Johannesburg. The discovery sent shockwaves through social media and reignited outrage over gender-based violence in South Africa.
According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), the white VW Polo used to transport Mongale on the day of her disappearance was traced to a panel-beating workshop in Phoenix, KwaZulu-Natal. Forensic experts are now examining the vehicle.
Police have since named a third suspect, Fezile Ngubane, alongside Makhanya and Mthimkhulu, and are appealing to the public for help in locating them. “We urge anyone with information about their whereabouts to contact Brigadier Edwin Nama immediately,” Mathe stated.
She added that the three men are believed to be linked to multiple other cases currently under investigation, suggesting a wider pattern of criminal activity.
The SAPS has faced criticism for allowing the suspects to be released on bail, especially considering the serious nature of the original charges. “This tragic outcome underscores the need for stronger bail conditions in cases involving violence against women,” said a local women’s rights activist group.
The public has responded with renewed calls for justice for Mongale and tougher penalties for repeat offenders in gender-based violence cases.
