Two suspects in Olorato Mongale case on bail for kidnapping, robbery
Two of the three suspects sought by the police in connection with the killing of Olorato Mongale are currently out on bail.
This was revealed by national police spokesperson Brig Athlenda Mathe during a briefing outside the Pretoria magistrate's court on Thursday.
Mathe said Philangenkosi Makhanya and Bongani Mthimkhulu were arrested for kidnapping and robbery and released in April.
On April 20 we arrested them on a charge of kidnapping and robbery in the Brakpan area, where a vigilant police officer was conducting his regular patrols
Brig Athlenda Mathe, national police spokesperson
'We had actually arrested two of the three suspects that we are looking for. On April 20 we arrested them on a charge of kidnapping and robbery in the Brakpan area, where a vigilant police officer was conducting his regular patrols. He came across a suspicious-looking vehicle, a VW Polo — the same VW Polo in question — and when he confronted the suspects, he found that they had just kidnapped a woman and robbed her.
'We immediately placed these two suspects under arrest. On April 22 they appeared in court on a charge of kidnapping and robbery, and on April 26 they got bail. So they are currently out on bail,' Mathe said.
The suspects are linked to various other cases, she said.
Mongale's lifeless body was discovered over the weekend, abandoned in Lombardy outside Alexandra, northern Johannesburg.
On Wednesday night, police issued a statement where they identified Makhanya and Fezile Ngubane as people of interest in the murder. This after the white VW Polo that picked up Mongale from her Joburg residence for a date was found at a panel-beating workshop in Phoenix, KwaZulu-Natal.
On Thursday morning police identified the third man as Mthimkhulu, a friend of Makhanya, as the additional suspect. The police are looking for all three men.
Mathe urged anyone who spots the suspects to immediately contact Brig Edwin Nama on 082-778-9035.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


The Citizen
7 hours ago
- The Citizen
Mashatile avoids answering questions about 8 VIP protection service members cleared by Saps
The deputy president says he will address questions regarding the protection service members once the matter has been ruled on. Deputy President Paul Mashatile unyieldingly avoided answering questions linked to the eight South African Police Service (Saps) members of his VIP presidential protection unit during a question-and-answer session in parliament on Thursday. The eight were part of Mashatile's security when they were caught on camera assaulting civilians on the N1 highway near Olivedale, Johannesburg, in July 2023. In the widely circulated video, the VIP police officers – brandishing rifles and pistols – are seen jumping out of a BMW X5 and attacking the occupants of a VW Polo. This is what these thugs got away with after being acquitted of disciplinary charges. We must asked whether this is @SAPoliceService VIP Protection or State-Sanctioned Violence? #BlueLightMafia — Ian Cameron (@IanCameron23) May 6, 2025 They were not found guilty of all charges by the Saps after an internal investigation, but are still being tried in court. The members face 12 charges, including pointing a firearm; reckless and negligent driving; malicious damage to property; assault with the intent to cause grievous bodily harm (Assault GBH); obstruction of justice; and assault by way of threat. ALSO READ: Mashatile reveals he spent R2.3m on travel, food, and laundry for Japan trip 'The matter is sub judice' Asked by opposition leader in the National Assembly and MK Party MP John Hlophe whether he has ever attempted to schedule a meeting with the victim, Mashatile said he didn't want to interfere with the legal process. 'I have not met with the victim because the matter is sub judice,' Mashatile said. 'The protectors are still due to appear in court again. Any engagements with any of the parties to the case could be prejudicial to them. Let's allow the courts to complete their work,' he added. The deputy president said he had full confidence in South Africa's justice system as a whole and welcomed the outcome of the police disciplinary inquiry that acquitted the eight members. Mashatile's answers to the rest of the questions surrounding this topic carried the same theme: let us allow the justice process to complete, and then we'll talk. This was the case when ANC MP Erald Cloete asked if Saps is prepared to make the record of the internal investigation, decisions and reasons for acquittal available. ALSO READ: Police confirm Mashatile convoy shooting, 'reinforces' security 'My approach is that we should allow the process to conclude. Obviously, justice must be done… That judgement will help us to build a way forward,' Mashatile said. Watch the Q&A session here: Another MP objected to him avoiding questions and hiding behind the matter being sub judice. Annelie Lotriet, deputy speaker of the National Assembly, came to Mashatile's rescue. 'We have made rulings before in the house that the presiding officers cannot adjudicate whether a question has been fully answered or not, so we will proceed on that basis,' Lotriet said. Accused out on bail Shadrack Molekatlane Kojoana, Johannes Matome Mampuru, Posmo Joseph Mofokeng, Harmans Madumetja Ramokhonami, Phineas Molefo Boshielo, Churchill Mpakamaseni Mkhize, Lesiba Aggrie Ramabu and Moses Fhatuwani are currently out on R10 000 bail each. The matter, which resumed on 10 June, is being heard at the Randburg Magistrate's Court in Johannesburg. NOW READ: UPDATE: Mashatile insists he's well protected after vehicle shooting incident

TimesLIVE
2 days ago
- TimesLIVE
Mashatile's VIP protectors' occurrence report doesn't mention assault
One of the officers from Deputy President Paul Mashatile's protection team told the VIP incident management officer that a speeding VW Polo driver was trying to get close to the main car the day the VIP officers allegedly assaulted a motorist. Sgt Goodwill Rikhotso, an incident management officer at the VIP police unit, revealed this at the Randburg magistrate's court on Tuesday. He testified in the case of the eight VIP protection unit officers from Mashatile's protection team who allegedly assaulted a motorist on the N1 highway in Johannesburg in July 2023. Rikhotso, who writes accident and incident reports in the VIP unit, testified that one of the accused officers, W/O Phineas Boshielo, reported to him about the July 2 2023 incident. However, the incident report didn't mention anything about an assault incident. 'W/O Boshielo reported that at about 16:00 bravo convoy were run on the N1 north road from Soweto when a blue Polo driving behind the convoy, trying to get close to the main car,' Rikhotso read from the report he compiled during the examination in chief. The state led the evidence of Rikhotso, who testified that they were speaking in Tswana when Boshielo called him, and there was no miscommunication between them. 'They first backup shielded the main car against driver of the Polo. They ordered the driver to reduce speed but instead he continue to race with the convoy and they end up forcing him out the road,' Rikhotso read the report. Rikhotso testified that Boshielo reported that: 'They stopped him [driver] and inside the Polo there were three males and one female, smashed on the windows trying to run away but the first backup managed to catch them and they searched them and the vehicle as well but they did not find any weapons in the vehicle. 'Later the first backup joined the convoy, and Capt Lepota was informed about the incident.' Shadrack Kojoana, Johannes Mampuru, Pomso Mofokeng, Harmans Ramokhonami, Phineas Boshielo, Churchill Mkhize, Lesibana Rambau and Moses Tshidada face 12 counts, including assault, malicious damage to property, pointing of a firearm, contravening the Road Traffic Act, reckless and negligent driving and attempting to defeat the ends of justice. The case was adjourned to Wednesday for the defence lawyer, Mswazi Makhubele, to consult the accused before cross-examining Rikhotso.


The Citizen
4 days ago
- The Citizen
Breakthrough in search for kidnapped Kamogelo Baukudi
Baukudi was kidnapped in Vereeniging. 19 year old Kamogelo Baukudi was kidnapped in Vereeniging on Thursday. Picture: Saps The South African Police Service (Saps) in the Free State has made a significant breakthrough in the ongoing investigation into the kidnapping of 19-year-old Kamogelo Baukudi. Police spokesperson Brigadier Motantsi Makhele a 42-year-old police sergeant has been taken in for questioning and detained in Bloemfontein. Detention 'The man is expected to appear in court soon in connection with the case'. Provincial Commissioner of Saps in the Free State, Lieutenant General Baile Motswenyane, has reiterated the police's unwavering commitment to uncovering the full truth behind Baukudi's kidnapping. 'This investigation has now entered a crucial phase, said Motswenyane. The involvement of any SAPS member in criminal acts will not be tolerated. Culprits will be held accountable – even if they are within our own ranks'. ALSO READ: Police launch search for teen kidnapped by fake cops in Vereeniging Task team A police task team was established to search for Baukudi, who was kidnapped last week by two suspects impersonating police officers. Baukudi was kidnapped in Vereeniging on Thursday, just before 12pm. Police spokesperson Colonel Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said a complainant identified as Daniel Malebatso arrived at Marti Du Plessis School in Fitchardpark as usual to fetch Baukudi, a Grade 11 pupil at the school. Mathe said the duo left the school premises with Baukudi, driving the Suzuki Ertiga. 'Whilst driving along Vereeniging Drive Erlichpark Extension, Daniel alleges that they heard a siren sound from behind, and they were pulled over by a White Toyota Hilux GD-6 Double Cab. 'Inside the Toyota Hilux, there were two unknown male persons; one wearing police uniform and the other blue tracksuits,' Mathe said. ALSO READ: Gauteng family pleads for safe return of their little daughter Blue lights According to Malebatso, the suspects' bakkie was fitted with blue lights on the grill and what looked like a police radio inside. Mathe said the suspect, wearing a police uniform, confronted Malebatso and informed him that the Suzuki Ertiga they were driving together with Baukudi was suspected of delivering drugs. 'The suspects then separated Daniel and Kamogelo and instructed Daniel to drive at the front whilst they followed from behind to Park Road Police Station. 'Both vehicles turned back and drove in westerly direction in Vereeniging Drive. Daniel alleges that a truck went in-between the Suzuki he was driving and the Toyota Hilux and he never saw it again,' Mathe said. Not found Malebatso told the police that one of the suspects spoke Sesotho fluently and even mentioned the name 'Thipe'. Mathe said Malebatso and Baukudi's mobile phones were found under the bridge on Ferrera Road. Baukudi has not been seen since and the police continues to prioritize his safe return as a matter of urgency. ALSO READ: Police rope in specialised team to probe murder of 14-year-old Lukhona Fose