
Olorato Mongale murder suspect killed during shootout with police in KZN
The main suspect wanted for the murder of Olorato Mongale has been killed in a shootout with police in the early hours of Friday morning.
According to police, a takedown operation was put into action after they received information that one of the suspects was hiding in a residential complex in Amanzimtoti, KwaZulu-Natal.
Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said when police announced their arrival, the man shot at the officers, who then returned fire and he was fatally wounded.
Police have not yet disclosed the name of the suspect, but it is understood to be the man Mongale initially met for a date on the day she was murdered.
Police previously identified Bongani Mthimkhulu, Philangenkosi Makhanya and Fezile Ngubane as suspects sought in connection with the murder of 30-year-old Mongale, whose body was discovered next to Cambridge Road outside of a car workshop in Lombardy West in Johannesburg on Sunday.
While police continue the search for the two remaining suspects, they have taken in the parents of one of the wanted men for questioning.
The mother was taken after she allegedly tipped off her son about the police's interest in his whereabouts, which enabled him to evade arrest on Wednesday. It is also believed that the suspect's father is the owner of the vehicle thought to have been used during Mongale's murder.
Hashtags

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


News24
an hour ago
- News24
‘I acknowledge my part in the chaos' – Nonku Williams quits RHOD
She's given us 5-star reality TV spec. From the very first season of the Real Housewives of Durban, she's topped headlines. Nonku Williams made an entry as the late gospel singer, Sfiso Ncwane's baby mama. At the time, Sfiso's widow, Ayanda, was one of the show's biggest stars. As expected, that took a wrong turn, putting the ladies against each other on the show, forcing Ayanda's hand in acknowledging her daughter and forging a relationship with their children who share a father. Before we knew it, she was back in the dating scene and embroiled in court orders and legal battles. Five seasons later, the reality TV star had risen to become Nonku Williams International and one of the OG's of the franchise in Africa. Read more | 'I love a challenge' – Londie London ready to return officially on RHOD All this was not short of insults hurled, allegations made, chaotic dinner dates, and messy outings with the ladies. Recently, viewers of the show pointed out how distasteful Nonku had become as she navigated her friendships on the show with some selfishness and manipulation. When asked a couple of questions to answer, Nonku said, 'I'm sorry I can't answer these questions'. Seemingly, she recognised her faults. 'As I take a moment to reflect on my journey with The Real Housewives of Durban, I'm compelled to share my truth with you. After much reflection, I've made the difficult decision not to return to the show and to distance myself from the reunion. It's not an easy choice, but it's one I must make. Watching myself on screen, I'm confronted with a reality that's hard to accept. The woman I see isn't someone I recognise or respect. I've played a role in shaping this narrative, but I'm also a product of the show's dynamics. The relentless pursuit of drama, the pitting of women against each other, the gossip, and the put-downs – it's a toxic cycle that wears me down,' Nonku took to her Instagram timeline. Every season, Nonku kicks off with promises of changing her ways and being a better, positive person who's recommitted to God, but a few episodes in, she's back to all that we've grown to know her also conveniently forgets what she's done to people and turns a blind eye to it all while expecting apologies for what others have done to her. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Nonku Williams (@nonku_williams) 'As I look to the future, I'm reminded of my responsibilities – to myself, my children, my faith, and the community. I want to make a difference, to leave a positive mark on the world. But this show, with its destructive tendencies, isn't the platform for that. I've come to realize that I have a responsibility to prioritize my well-being, to protect my mental health, and to surround myself with positivity. I have a responsibility to my children to be a good role model, to show them the importance of kindness, empathy, and compassion. I have a responsibility for my faith in upholding the values that are important to me, to be a light in the darkness, and to spread love and kindness. And I have a responsibility to the community to be a force for good, to uplift and inspire others, and to make a positive impact,' her Instagram post further reads. 'To those who've supported me throughout this journey, I'm grateful. I acknowledge my part in the chaos, but I also recognise the show's role in shaping our narratives. I'm choosing to break free from this cycle, to seek a path that uplifts and inspires. I'm choosing to use my platform to spread love, kindness, and positivity. I'm choosing to be a role model for my children and for others who may be watching. I'm choosing to prioritize my well-being and to take care of myself. I'm choosing to be authentic, to be true to myself, and to live a life that reflects my values,' she adds. As we prepare to close the chapter of Nonku Williams on the Real Housewives of Durban, she hopes that her story can serve as a testament to the power of self-awareness, courage, and redemption.


News24
an hour ago
- News24
ICYMI: The king of love Lebo M rekindles romance with ex-partner Mel Ntsala
As the old saying goes, second time's the charm. Love knows no bounds as ex-lovers rekindle their relationship. Legendary South African businessman, composer, arranger and Lion King producer, Lebohang Morake popularly known as Lebo M, has found love again as he reignited a flame with a long-lost lover, Malefu 'Mel' Ntsala. Read more | 'I acknowledge my part in the chaos' – Nonku Williams quits RHOD The two had a messy breakup in the past, but it seems they've patched things up. Lebo, took to Instagram to reveal the news of their engagement as the two got engaged in a private affair in Dubai on Friday, this after Lebo's divorce from his now estranged ex-wife, Pretty Samuels. The post was accompanied by a candid caption suggesting that he would never give up on love. 'The day we stop believing in love and possibilities, is the day we stop dreaming. Absolutely grateful to have fulfilled my dream & begin this new chapter with you. Love always,' reads the caption. Many fans and industry artists alike flooded the comments section to congratulate the two love birds and wished them well on their future. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Lebo M Morake (@thereallebo_m)


News24
an hour ago
- News24
‘In the planning stage': Deputy Minister Peace Mabe discusses vision for Designers Indaba
The 2025 South African Fashion Week (SAFW) highlighted the immense talent of local designers with strong support from Deputy Minister of Sport, Arts, and Culture, Peace Mabe. She spoke to News24 about the importance of celebrating and investing in homegrown fashion and discussed government initiatives like the upcoming Designers Indaba, aiming to address challenges such as access to industrial equipment and to provide financial and promotional support for designers at all career stages. The event, featuring designers like Gert-Johan Coetzee, showcased innovation and creativity, reaffirming South Africa's position as a hub for world-class fashion. South African designers recently took to the runway at the 2025 South African Fashion Week (SAFW) to showcase their remarkable talent and creativity, this time around with government watching in support. With a star-studded guest list including Nadia Nakai, Zozibini Tunzi, Unathi Nkayi and many others throughout the fashion show, Deputy Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Peace Mabe was also among the crowd. According to the minister, her attendance was to celebrate local talent in the fashion industry and offer much-needed government support. In an interview with News24, Mabe shared plans to increase government efforts to promote local designers. 'South Africans are talented. That's one thing for sure that we need to embrace. I've also attended small, private, and, of course, international fashion events, like Paris Fashion Week. 'I've never had exposure where a collection of designers is showcasing locally. I attended yesterday, but I couldn't help it again today. Just to come and appreciate the talent that is out there,' she said. Additionally, the minister called for South Africans to invest in local talent by at least owning a few garments from local brands. 'Out of three things that you're wearing, at least two should be locally made,' she said, highlighting the quality and craftsmanship of local designers. 'I don't doubt the quality, the finishing, everything is perfect,' she added. Government support According to Mabe, the government should create an enabling environment for designers by providing financial and other forms of support. She also expressed that various government departments have committed to exposing designers to broader audiences and offering the necessary assistance to help them thrive. 'As government, we are also responsible for creating an enabling environment. Designers, of course, need to have a platform, [one that] exposes them and gives them the financial support they need, as well as any kind of support that they might need,' Mabe said. Challenges facing local designers The deputy minister revealed that despite their impressive talent, local designers face unavoidable challenges, including a lack of access to industrial equipment that would enhance their production capabilities. She also noted that designers like Boys of Soweto and Tshepo are among those who have voiced concerns about the absence of large industrial machines essential for scaling their businesses. These challenges will be addressed by launching programmes like the Designers Indaba, which will see various government departments collaborate to support fashion designers. 'They don't have big industrial machines, and together with the Department of Small Businesses and Local Economic Development, DTIC, we have agreed that we're going to host the Indaba for designers. 'I can also confirm that ABSA is on board. African Bank is on board, and you know, other sponsors as well,' she told News24. A three-phase approach According to Mabe, the Designers Indaba will bring together designers at different stages of their careers in a three-phase format. The first phase will focus on established designers who have successfully entered the market. The second phase will spotlight promising, up-and-coming designers, while the final phase will address those at the grassroots level who have yet to gain recognition. 'This initiative is still in the planning stage, but we feel it is crucial to create opportunities for designers across all levels of their careers,' Mabe said. A celebration of talent and innovation Following her attendance at SAFW - where various designers like The Bam Collective, Thabo Makhetha, Gert-Johan Coetzee, and many others showcased their work - Mabe praised the creativity displayed on the runway. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Leon J Haasbroek (@ljhpr) One of the standout collections for the deputy minister was presented by renowned designer Gert-Johan Coetzee. View this post on Instagram A post shared by South African Fashion Week (@safashionweek) 'I saw Gertie yesterday, and I said he really represented the future. It seemed to be an integration of AI, space, and the current season, which is winter. The fabrics, everything was just perfect,' she said, acknowledging Coetzee as a leader and powerhouse within the fashion industry.