Olorato Mongale murder: Police find white VW Polo in KZN, arrest made

News24

a day ago

Police recovered a white Volkswagen Polo linked to Olorato Mongale's murder, finding traces of blood inside.
National police said that the car was located at a panel beating workshop in Durban, KZN.
The two suspects, Fezile Ngubane and Philangenkosi Sibongokuhle Makhanya, are on the run, while an elderly man was arrested.
Police have confirmed that traces of blood were found in a white Volkswagen Polo recovered at a panel beating shop in Phoenix, Durban on Wednesday – the vehicle which is believed to have been used in the murder of 30-year-old Olorato Mongale.
Police said an elderly man, alleged to be the vehicle's owner, has been arrested following the discovery.
Mongale's body was discovered in Gauteng on Sunday afternoon after she went on a date with a man she had recently met.
She was picked up in a white Volkswagen Polo at her residential complex in Atholl, Johannesburg.
National police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said the Crime Intelligence Unit recovered the car at a panel beating workshop in Phoenix, Durban, on Wednesday.
Mathe said the breakthrough in Mongale's murder followed an intensive investigation led by a multi-disciplinary team, including the SAPS Anti-Kidnapping Task Team.
She said the team's efforts initially directed them to a lodge in Kew, Johannesburg, where two suspects had reportedly booked a room. 'Further intelligence led them to KwaMashu in Durban, which was the home of one of the suspects.
'The suspect's vehicle was later found at this panel-beater workshop. Upon inspection by SAPS forensic experts, traces of blood were found inside the vehicle,' Mathe said.
'Police are still searching for two men believed to have been directly involved in the murder of Olorato.
'The two suspects are on the run and members of the public are urged to distribute their photos far and wide to assist police investigations,' Mathe said.
Mathe said police have identified the wanted suspects as Fezile Ngubane and Philangenkosi Sibongokuhle Makhanya.
She said the duo is considered dangerous and community members are cautioned not to confront them.
Police urged members of the public to immediately contact Brigadier Nama at 082 778 9035 if they spot the suspects.
'These suspects are warned to hand themselves over at their nearest police station,' Mathe said.
National police commissioner General Fannie Masemola has expressed gratitude to the task team and its collaborative partners, which include the SAPS Gauteng Provincial Investigation Unit, the KZN Hawks Tracking Team, Durban Metro Police K-9 Unit, as well as private security services.