By Everson Luhanga
- Phila Makhanya and Bongani Mthimkhulu were arrested in April for kidnapping and robbery, but were released on bail days later.
- After police posted their photos, women from across South Africa came forward saying they too had been lured, kidnapped or robbed.
Police have confirmed that two of the suspects linked to the murder of 30-year-old Olorato Mongale had already been arrested earlier this year for kidnapping another woman. Despite this, they were released on bail less than a week later.
Now, the same men are at the centre of a national manhunt.
National police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said the suspects are connected to several other crimes.
“Victims from provinces including Northern Cape and Free State contacted police after the suspects’ images were shared online,” she said.
Phila Makhanya and Bongani Mthimkhulu were arrested in April in Brakpan, Gauteng. A sharp-eyed officer spotted a white VW Polo matching a wanted description and pulled it over — just after the pair had allegedly kidnapped and robbed a woman.
“They were arrested on the spot,” said Mathe.
“They appeared in court on 22 April and got bail on 26 April. They are currently out on bail.”
Police say the men are part of a syndicate that targets women at shopping malls. They charm their victims into going on dates, then rob them.
Olorato Mongale is believed to have met her killer online. He picked her up at her flat on Sunday, 25 May, in a white VW Polo. They drove through Alexandra to Kew, and then to the area between Alexandra and Lombardy West, where she was murdered and her body dumped.
The vehicle had fake number plates.
Police Minister Senzo Mchunu confirmed that the car has been seized and its registered owner is in custody. He called the crime “gruesome and inhumane” and said it had shocked the nation.
“Stop killing women,” he said. “This is a simple, urgent and human plea to all men.”
He added that women, especially those meeting people online, should be cautious and stay in control of their plans.
Three suspects are still on the run: Fezile Ngubane, Philangenkosi Sibongokuhle Makhanya and Bongani Mthimkhulu. They are believed to be hiding in KwaZulu-Natal.
“Do not approach them,” said Mchunu. “If you see them, contact Brigadier Nama on +27 (82) 778-9035.”
A memorial for Olorato is being held in Bloemfontein on Thursday. Her funeral is on Sunday.
Pictured above: Olorato Mongale.
Image source: Supplied
