Fezile Ngubane is a victim, not suspect in kidnapping case, says Saps

The South African Police Service (Saps) has confirmed that Fezile Ngubane, who was previously identified as a suspect in a syndicate targeting young women, has been cleared of any wrongdoing and released from police custody.

Ngubane was handed over to police by his father on Friday at the KwaMashu police station after reports emerged linking him to the ongoing Olorato murder case.

However, following a preliminary investigation by a multidisciplinary team, the police determined on Saturday that Ngubane was not involved in the criminal activities.

Ngubane cleared after investigation

“A multidisciplinary team led by the Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Crime Detection in Gauteng, Major General Mbuso Khumalo, the Saps National Anti-Kidnapping Task Team, and the KZN and Gauteng Provincial Investigating Units has now cleared Ngubane following a thorough interview and preliminary investigation,” said Saps.

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According to Saps, Ngubane earns a living washing cars and resides in the same neighbourhood as the deceased suspect Philangenkosi Makhanya.

Investigators now believe that Makhanya exploited Ngubane by using his identification to commit crimes.

Victim of identity theft

“Makhanya allegedly identified Ngubane as a soft target and took his ID smart card and used it to Rica SIM cards that Makhanya would use to commit his long list of kidnapping and robbery crimes targeted at young women,” said Saps.

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“At times, it’s alleged that he would use Ngubane’s bank card to buy at various clothing stores.”

Ngubane’s ID was among 27 smart ID cards found in Makhanya’s possession during the investigation.

Widening case and continued manhunt

Saps also confirmed that the parents of one of the two suspects have been released after giving their statements.

At least 20 women have come forward linking the suspects to kidnapping and robbery cases reported in Potchefstroom, Bloemfontein, Midrand, Ogies, Nelspruit, Pretoria and Johannesburg.

Meanwhile, the search continues for another suspect in the case.

“Police once again call on the suspect to hand himself over at his nearest police station,” Saps urged.

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