By Everson Luhanga
- A white Volkswagen Polo was seized at a panel beater workshop in Phoenix, Durban, after a nationwide police search.
- Two suspects, Fezile Ngubane and Philangenkosi Makhanya, are still missing and considered dangerous.
Police are closing in on the men who murdered 30-year-old Olorato Mongale, after they found a car believed to have been used in the killing.
The white Volkswagen Polo was seized by a South African Police Service task team at a panel beater workshop in Phoenix, Durban.
Inside the car, forensic experts found traces of blood.
The car’s elderly owner has been arrested, but the two main suspects, Fezile Ngubane and Philangenkosi Sibongokuhle Makhanya, are still on the run.
National police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said the suspects were tracked from a lodge in Kew, Johannesburg, to a house in KwaMashu, Durban.
“The suspects’ vehicle was later found at this panel beater workshop. Upon inspection by forensic experts, traces of blood were found inside the vehicle,” said Mathe.
She said the two men are “directly involved in Olorato’s death”.
Police say Ngubane and Makhanya are dangerous and should not be approached. If you see them, call Brigadier Nama on 082 778 9035.
Police have also added a third suspect, Bongani Mthimkhulu, to the list of wanted men. He is a friend of Philangenkosi Makhanya.
The murder happened on Sunday, 25 May, and sparked a massive investigation. Teams from the Gauteng Provincial Investigation Unit, Durban Metro Police K-9 Unit, DPCI KwaZulu-Natal Tracking Team and private security companies were involved.
National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola thanked everyone involved and urged the suspects to hand themselves over.
Meanwhile, in Lombardy West, Johannesburg, dozens of people held a candlelight vigil to remember Olorato.
Men, women and community leaders gathered to show support.
Family friend Criselda Kananda told the crowd: “Men must take action to stop this violence. And the police must do their job to bring these men to justice.”
Olorato will be buried in Bloemfontein in the Free State, where she was originally from.
Pictured above: The two suspects.
Image source: Supplied
