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Olorato Mongale’s Alleged Killers on the Run as More Women Share Disturbing Stories

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3 months ago

May 29, 2025

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The case surrounding the tragic death of Olorato Mongale, a 30-year-old student, has gripped South Africa—and now, disturbing new details are emerging.

Two of the three suspects linked to her murder were already known to police before her death. After being granted bail for a separate kidnapping and robbery charge, they disappeared—and now they’re wanted not only for Olorato’s murder but potentially for a broader pattern of violent crimes against women.

In a shocking twist, the South African Police Service (SAPS) says hundreds of women from across the country have come forward with chilling accounts of how they were approached, deceived, and in some cases, robbed by the same suspects.

A Pattern of Deception and Violence

Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe confirmed that women have reported nearly identical experiences—being approached at malls, asked out on dates, and then becoming victims of robbery and intimidation.

“These reports are pouring in from all over—Gauteng, Free State, the Northern Cape. The suspects used the same tactics repeatedly,” said Mathe.

The two main suspects, Phila Makhanya and Bongani Mthimkhulu, were previously arrested on April 20 for kidnapping and robbery in Brockbunny, using the same VW Polo believed to have been involved in Mongale’s murder.

Despite the serious charges, they were granted bail just six days later—on April 26—and have since vanished.

Third Suspect and New Leads in KwaZulu-Natal

A third man, Bongani Mthimkhulu’s friend, has now been named a suspect. SAPS has intensified its efforts, assembling a special task force that includes the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, Crime Intelligence, and forensic experts.

Their investigation led them to KwaZulu-Natal, where they recovered the VW Polo at a panel beating shop in Phoenix. Forensic analysis revealed traces of blood inside the vehicle, which matched evidence from the crime scene.

The car’s registered owner—identified as the father of one of the suspects—is currently in police custody and being questioned about his role or knowledge of the vehicle’s use in these crimes.

Room Never Used, But a Crime Trail Left Behind

Police also discovered that the suspects had booked a room at a Johannesburg lodge after allegedly killing Olorato and dumping her body in Lombardy West. However, they never checked in.

Instead, they fled back to KwaZulu-Natal, where investigators have since tracked their movements.

The VW Polo has been positively identified as the vehicle used during the commission of the crime.

Women Urged to Speak Up

As more women continue to come forward, police are urging anyone with information to contact Brigadier Nama, who is leading the investigation. Their stories could not only help bring justice for Olorato but also reveal the full extent of the suspects’ alleged criminal behavior.

“This is bigger than one case,” said Mathe. “It’s a pattern, and we need every voice to speak up.”

The suspects remain at large, and the investigation is ongoing.