Three months on, still no arrests in Olorato Mongale murder case
It’s been more than three months since Olorato Mongale was brutally murdered after going on a date with her alleged killer, and police have yet to make any arrests.
More than three months after the shocking murder of Olorato Mongale, police have yet to make a breakthrough in the case, leaving the family and community members waiting for justice.
The 30-year-old was found murdered on May 25 in Lombardy West, after going on a date with a man known only as John.
Read more: No new developments in Olorato Mongale murder case as police continue investigation
Her handbag and cellphone were recovered nearby in Kew, and police later traced a white VW Polo believed to be used in the crime to a panel beater in Phoenix, Durban. Blood traces were found in the vehicle, and the investigation quickly expanded to include multiple suspects.
One of the suspects, Philangenkosi Sibongokuhle Makhanya, was fatally shot by police in Amanzimtoti on May 30 after allegedly opening fire on officers. Another man, Fezile Ngubane, was initially believed to be involved but was later cleared and released after it was discovered that Makhanya had used his ID and SIM card to deceive women.
Also read: Main suspect in Olorato murder case shot dead
Despite the early momentum in the case, little progress has been reported since early June.
SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said, “We do not have any updates yet as the investigations are ongoing.”
Mongale was laid to rest at her family home on June 1 in Bloemfontein, with hundreds of mourners attending her funeral in what was described as a sombre and emotional service.
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