A second suspect in the murder case of 30-year-old student Olorato Mongale is now in police custody after handing himself in to the KwaMashu police station in KwaZulu-Natal on Friday afternoon.
Police confirm second suspect handed himself over
This comes hours after the main suspect, Philangenkosi Makhanya, was fatally shot in a dramatic exchange with police in Amanzimtoti.
Makhanya, who was on the run, was cornered by law enforcement agents after an overnight manhunt. Police say he opened fire during the attempted arrest, prompting officers to retaliate.
Speaking on the latest development, Police Minister Senzo Mchunu confirmed the arrest and issued a stern warning to the third suspect still at large.
“The second one did hand himself over to police in KwaMashu. The other one I’m told ran somewhere, out of the country or whatever. That means nothing, we will find him,” Mchunu said.
“And I did appeal to them to hand themselves over to the nearest police station. Or else… they must know, we want them dead or alive.”
What we know so far about the Olorato Mongale murder
Investigations into Mongale’s murder are at an advanced stage. Her death has caused public outrage and renewed concerns about women’s safety, particularly when meeting individuals through online platforms.
Mongale was last seen on Sunday, 25 May 2025, leaving her residential complex in Athol, Johannesburg. CCTV footage captured her getting into a white Volkswagen Polo driven by a man known only as “John.”
Less than two hours later, her body was found dumped in Lombardy West, bruised and abandoned.
Police later discovered that the number plate on the VW Polo was fake. It had been cloned from a Toyota Hilux to avoid detection.
National police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said the suspect drove Mongale through Alexandra and Kew before allegedly murdering her. Her phone and handbag were found discarded in Kew.
Makhanya, one of the key suspects, was discovered in a flat in Amanzimtoti, where he reportedly confessed to an acquaintance that he had not intended to kill Mongale.
According to the man who was with him shortly before the police raid, Makhanya appeared emotional, even threatening to take his own life.
He allegedly said his actions were financially motivated and that Mongale’s death was unintended.
The second suspect’s surrender marks a major breakthrough in the case, with only one more person still being sought by authorities.
Police have confirmed that the investigation remains active and that they are analysing whether this case could be linked to similar unsolved murders of women in the Sandton area.
As the manhunt continues, law enforcement is urging anyone with relevant information to report it to the authorities, reinforcing their commitment to ensuring all responsible individuals are held accountable.
