By Everson Luhanga
- Philangenkosi Makhanya was cornered by police in Amanzimtoti on Friday morning but opened fire, prompting officers to shoot back.
- Two other suspects are still wanted, while the parents of one have been arrested for helping him dodge the police.
The man believed to have murdered Olorato Mongale has been killed by police in KwaZulu-Natal.
Philangenkosi Makhanya was found by police at a residential complex in Amanzimtoti, south of Durban, on Friday morning.
National police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said Makhanya opened fire on officers when they arrived at the property. Police shot back and he was fatally wounded.
“The main suspect in the Olorato Mongale murder case was found by police hiding at a residential complex in Amanzimtoti. When police announced their arrival, he shot at police. Police returned fire and he was fatally wounded,” said Mathe.
The Provincial Commissioner of KwaZulu-Natal, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, visited the scene before leaving for another urgent engagement out of the province.
Makhanya was one of three suspects wanted in connection with the brutal murder of Olorato Mongale. The other two suspects, Fezile Ngubane and Bongani Mthimkhulu, are still on the run.
On Thursday, police arrested the parents of one of the wanted men. The mother is believed to have warned her son that police were looking for him at their home, helping him escape.
“The father owns the Volkswagen Polo used in the crime. The mother tipped off the son on Wednesday night. When police arrived in Inanda where he stays, he had already fled,” said Mathe.
Mongale’s body was found near Lombardy West, close to Alexandra township, north of Johannesburg, on Sunday.
On Thursday night, residents of Lombardy West gathered at a candlelight vigil in memory of the young woman.
The hunt for the remaining suspects continues.
Pictured above: The crime scene where Olorato‘s suspected killer was shot and killed.
Image source: National SAPS
