Top 10 stories of the day: Suspect cleared in kidnapping case
Here's your daily news update for Saturday, 31 May 2025: An easy-to-read selection of our top stories.
As police continue their search for a suspect wanted in connection with the kidnapping of women, another man was cleared of any wrongdoing on Saturday.
The South African Police Service (Saps) 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.
In other news, the City of Tshwane has warned its residents that the city's water woes could worsen if they continue to consume water at the current rate.
While Rand Water conducts its 107-hour planned major maintenance, which will affect parts of the City of Tshwane, the municipality has urged residents to conserve water to avoid further outages.
Weather tomorrow: 01 June 2025
The weather service predicts fine and cool to warm conditions; however, it will be partly cloudy over the northeastern parts of South Africa as well as along the southwest coast, with possible damaging waves along the south coast. Full weather forecast here.
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Fezile Ngubane is a victim, not suspect in kidnapping case, says Saps
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.
Fezile Ngubane. Picture: Supplied/ Saps
According to Saps, Ngubane earns a living washing cars and resides in the same neighbourhood as the deceased suspect Philangenkosi Makhanya.
CONTINUE READING: Fezile Ngubane is a victim, not suspect in kidnapping case, says Saps
Veteran journalist and editor Andrew Trench has died
The media industry is mourning the death of veteran journalist and editor Andrew Trench.
Veteran journalist and editor Andrew Trench. Picture: Facebook
Trench, who worked for several major publications both in South Africa and abroad, died on Friday evening surrounded by family. He had been battling oesophageal cancer.
CONTINUE READING: Veteran journalist and editor Andrew Trench has died
Tshwane's water warning to residents
City of Tshwane spokesperson Selby Bokaba on Friday urged residents of Region 6 and some parts of regions 2 and 3 to urgently reduce their water consumption after levels at the city's reservoirs dropped significantly.
Picture: Stock
Bokaba said the continuation of high consumption was likely to put consumers in these regions at risk of having no water until the work is completed.
CONTINUE READING: Tshwane's water warning to residents
PODCAST: What closure of Nissan Rosslyn plant means for Mzansi
The Nissan plant in Rosslyn outside Pretoria faces closure in the Japanese carmaker's desperate attempt to cut its global losses.
Nissan will close seven of its current 17 factories by 2027, one reportedly being the Rosslyn Plant outside Pretoria. Photo by MATTHIAS BALK / DPA / dpa Picture-Alliance via AFP
The local factory is one of seven global assembly facilities on the chopping block as Nissan plans to reduce its plants from 17 to 10 by 2027.
CONTINUE READING: PODCAST: What closure of Nissan Rosslyn plant means for Mzansi
Truck driver found twenty times over the legal alcohol limit in KZN
The Road Traffic Inspectorate, working with the South African Police Service (Saps), have arrested a truck driver for drinking and driving in Van Reenen along the N3 Freeway.
Picture: Supplied
According to Duma, another driver was caught driving a truck and blew 2.0mg/1000ml, which is twenty times more than the legal limit of 0.10mg /1000ml.
CONTINUE READING: Truck driver found twenty times over the legal alcohol limit in KZN
Here are five more news stories of the day:
Yesterday's News recap
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IOL News
16 minutes ago
- IOL News
After wrongful arrest, Fezile Ngubane shares his story: 'This was my last opportunity
A high school picture of Fezile Ngubane. The KwaZulu Natal man believes his vindication by SAPS in the murder of Olorato Mongale is an opportunity to turn his life around. Image: X Fezile Ngubane, the KwaZulu Natal man who was arrested and later released for the gruesome murder of Olorato Mongale insists he has never laid his hand on a woman. It was previously reported that Ngubane was handed over to authorities by his father at the KwaMashu police station after learning that his son was sought in connection with the murder case. According to police, a multidisciplinary investigation team, headed by Major General Mbuso Khumalo, Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Crime Detection in Gauteng, conducted thorough interviews and preliminary investigations that ultimately absolved Ngubane. He has been deemed a victim, having been unwittingly drawn into a sinister scheme, and has since been released from police custody. Ngubane, who is a father to a teenage girl and ekes a living by washing cars, was wrongly implicated in the horrific murder of Mongale, after a suspect in the murder, Philangenkosi Makhanya, allegedly used Ngubane's identity to register multiple SIM cards. Makhanya allegedly used the SIM cards registered in Ngubane's name communicate with various women. Speaking to journalists, a shaken Ngubane said despite struggling with drug addiction, he is not a violent person. "I would like South Africans to know that I have never been involved in crime, i have never been a person who is a fan of crime, I do not entertain crime. It is just that the addiction, the life that I have put myself in, is the one that is really hurting me. For these three days, as I was in the holding cells, I was shaking for my life, I saw that maybe this is my last opportunity in life to turn back, to do good," he said. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad Loading Most of my life, I have hurt my parents and I have hurt myself. I would like to say to South Africans, anybody who thought I was involved in this should know that I have never done anything wrong, I have never left home, I have always been at home with my parents and I have never laid a hand on a woman. I have one child in my life. I am not a violent person." Ngubane said from the time he was arrested, and went on to spend days in police holding cells, his neighbours have been vouching for him, because they know he is not a violent person. Ngubane said he would be happy to receive help to quit his reliance on intoxicating substances. "I would kindly be glad if help was offered," he told reporters. On Sunday, IOL reported that Deputy Police Minister Dr Polly Boshielo has called for society to help the authorities combat gender-based violence at Mongale's funeral in Bloemfontein. Boshielo extended her condolences to Mongale's family, particularly her mother, Poppy Mongale. "We may not have been able to prevent the death of your child, but one of her perpetrators is now in permanent custody and will never rise again to terrorise other women," she said. Olorato Mongale was recently found dead after going on a date. Image: X The police's National Anti-Kidnapping Task Team and Gauteng Provincial Investigating Unit were activated immediately after the case was reported last Sunday. "Ladies and gentlemen, it was important that we get to these criminals first before they do, what they did to Olorato, to another woman. "To Poppy and the family, may you find solace in knowing that because of Olorato's spirit, Philangenkosi Makhanya will no longer terrorise women in South Africa." Boshielo emphasised that at least 20 cases are being linked to the suspects, with incidents reported in Bloemfontein, Nelspruit, Midrand, Pretoria, Potchefstroom, Lebowakgomo, and Johannesburg. Victims were lured under the guise of romantic interest, only to be robbed and, in some cases, kidnapped. She also reiterated that Ngubane, previously thought to be a suspect, has been cleared following evidence that he was a victim of identity theft. Cape Argus
The Citizen
17 minutes ago
- The Citizen
Police hunt second suspect in Olorato Mongale's murder
Law enforcement will not rest until another suspect in the murder of journalist Olorato Mongale is apprehended, Police Deputy Minister Dr Polly Boshielo said. The 30-year-old was killed last Sunday after leaving her Johannesburg home to go on a date, reportedly with her alleged killer. Her body was found hours later in Lombardy East, sparking a multi-provincial manhunt for the suspects. Speaking at her funeral service held at City Hall in Bloemfontein yesterday, Boshielo called on the public — and those who know the suspect — to advise him to hand himself over to the nearest police station. 'We will also not rest until we find Bongani Mthimkhulu. If you know him, advise him to surrender to the nearest police station,' she said. The deputy minister emphasised that SAPS is committed to combating gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF). 'The fight against gender-based violence and femicide is a national priority for the South African Police Service, and it is for this very reason that maximum resources are always deployed to investigate GBVF cases and also track down GBVF perpetrators,' she said. Upon learning of the case last Sunday, the SAPS swiftly mobilised resources, including the National Anti-Kidnapping Task Team and the Gauteng Provincial Investigating Unit, to assist the Sandringham Police Station in tracking down a perpetrator known as 'John'. The investigation led authorities to a lodge in Kew, Johannesburg, and subsequently to KZN, where they discovered a VW Polo vehicle with traces of blood. The vehicle was linked to Philangenkosi Makhanya, who was identified as 'John'. On Friday morning, police located Makhanya at a block of apartments in Amanzimtoti. When police announced their arrival, he opened fire, and officers returned fire, resulting in his death at the scene. In his possession, police found more than 27 ID smart cards belonging to various men and about 20 cellphones. Boshielo revealed that Makhanya and his alleged accomplice, Bongani Mthimkhulu, operated a syndicate targeting women across various malls in the country. 'We are still searching for Bongani Mthimkhulu because we have narrowed our investigation and now know that Philangenkosi Makhanya and Bongani Mthimkhulu were working together and they were a syndicate that was targeting women in various malls across the country,' she said. Syndicate The investigation has linked the duo to 22 cases of kidnapping and robbery, with women from across the country positively identifying them as the perpetrators. Highlighting the broader impact of the syndicate's activities, Boshielo noted that similar cases have been reported in Bloemfontein, Mbombela, Midrand, Pretoria, Potchefstroom, Lebowakgomo, and Johannesburg. Addressing the family at the funeral service, Boshielo reassured them of the government's commitment to justice. 'To the family, to the mother Poppy, we may not have been able to prevent the death of your child but be rest assured that one of her perpetrators is in permanent custody and will never rise up again to terrorise other women,' she said. The deputy minister called for a collaborative effort to end GBVF. 'GBVF is a crime that happens behind closed doors between two people that know each other and where we cannot always be as the police. Let's all stand together and work together to put a stop to GBVF in our country,' the deputy minister said. Police clear Fezile Ngubane In a statement on Saturday, the SAPS informed the nation that Fezile Ngubane, who was initially identified as a suspect in a syndicate targeting young women, has been cleared. This follows his father handing him over to the KwaMashu Police Station on Friday after learning his son was sought by police in the Olorato murder case. 'A multidisciplinary team led by the deputy [police] commissioner for crime detection in Gauteng, Major General Mbuso Khumalo, the SAPS National Anti-Kidnapping Task Team, and KZN and Gauteng investigating units have now cleared Ngubane following a thorough interview and preliminary investigation. 'According to a preliminary report, Ngubane washes cars for a living and stays in the same neighbourhood as deceased Philangenkosi Makhanya,' said the SAPS. Makhanya allegedly identified Ngubane as a soft target and took his ID smart card, using it to Rica Sim cards that Makhanya would use to commit his long list of kidnapping and robbery crimes targeting young women. Ngubane's ID was among the 27 smart cards found in Makhanya's possession. 'The SAPS has also released the parents of one of the two suspects in the case after their statements were taken down. Police are sitting with at least 20 cases where women have come forward identifying the suspects as those that kidnapped and robbed them. 'The search for Bongani Mthimkhulu continues, and police once again call on him to hand himself over at his nearest police station,' the police said on Saturday. –
IOL News
3 hours ago
- IOL News
'My last opportunity in life: Fezile Ngubane speaks out after being cleared of Olorato Mongale's murder
A high school picture of Fezile Ngubane. The KwaZulu Natal man believes his vindication by SAPS in the murder of Olorato Mongale is an opportunity to turn his life around. Image: X Fezile Ngubane, the KwaZulu Natal man who was arrested and later released for the gruesome murder of Olorato Mongale insists he has never laid his hand on a woman. IOL previously reported that Ngubane was handed over to authorities by his father at the KwaMashu police station after learning that his son was sought in connection with the murder case. According to police, a multidisciplinary investigation team, headed by Major General Mbuso Khumalo, Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Crime Detection in Gauteng, conducted thorough interviews and preliminary investigations that ultimately absolved Ngubane. He has been deemed a victim, having been unwittingly drawn into a sinister scheme, and has since been released from police custody. Ngubane, who is a father to a teenage girl and ekes a living by washing cars, was wrongly implicated in the horrific murder of Mongale, after a suspect in the murder, Philangenkosi Makhanya, allegedly used Ngubane's identity to register multiple SIM cards. Makhanya allegedly used the SIM cards registered in Ngubane's name communicate with various women. Speaking to journalists, a shaken Ngubane said despite struggling with drug addiction, he is not a violent person. "I would like South Africans to know that I have never been involved in crime, i have never been a person who is a fan of crime, I do not entertain crime. It is just that the addiction, the life that I have put myself in, is the one that is really hurting me. For these three days, as I was in the holding cells, I was shaking for my life, I saw that maybe this is my last opportunity in life to turn back, to do good," he said. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Most of my life, I have hurt my parents and I have hurt myself. I would like to say to South Africans, anybody who thought I was involved in this should know that I have never done anything wrong, I have never left home, I have always been at home with my parents and I have never laid a hand on a woman. I have one child in my life. I am not a violent person." Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel. Ngubane said from the time he was arrested, and went on to spend days in police holding cells, his neighbours have been vouching for him, because they know he is not a violent person. Ngubane said he would be happy to receive help to quit his reliance on intoxicating substances. "I would kindly be glad if help was offered," he told reporters. On Sunday, IOL reported that Deputy Police Minister Dr Polly Boshielo has called for society to help the authorities combat gender-based violence at Mongale's funeral in Bloemfontein. Boshielo extended her condolences to Mongale's family, particularly her mother, Poppy Mongale. "We may not have been able to prevent the death of your child, but one of her perpetrators is now in permanent custody and will never rise again to terrorise other women," she said. Olorato Mongale was recently found dead after going on a date. Image: X The police's National Anti-Kidnapping Task Team and Gauteng Provincial Investigating Unit were activated immediately after the case was reported last Sunday. "Ladies and gentlemen, it was important that we get to these criminals first before they do, what they did to Olorato, to another woman. "To Poppy and the family, may you find solace in knowing that because of Olorato's spirit, Philangenkosi Makhanya will no longer terrorise women in South Africa." Boshielo emphasised that at least 20 cases are being linked to the suspects, with incidents reported in Bloemfontein, Nelspruit, Midrand, Pretoria, Potchefstroom, Lebowakgomo, and Johannesburg. Victims were lured under the guise of romantic interest, only to be robbed and, in some cases, kidnapped. She also reiterated that Ngubane, previously thought to be a suspect, has been cleared following evidence that he was a victim of identity theft. IOL News
