Source image: SAPS
(The Post News)- Fezile Ngubane, one of the listed suspects in connection with the murder case of Olorato Mongale, has been cleared as a suspect. The South African Police Services released a statement on Saturday afternoon following the death of the primary suspect, Philangenkosi Makhanya, earlier this week. The individual was handed over to the authorities by his father after discovering that his son was a wanted man by the police in connection with the Olorato Mongale murder case.
Ngubane was initially listed as a suspect in a syndicate targeting young women until a multi-disciplinary team, the SAPS anti-kidnapping task team, and the Gauteng PIU cleared him. It is reported that Ngubane is an individual who washes cars for a living and stays in the same neighborhood as the now-deceased suspect, Philangenkosi Sibongokuhle Makhanya.
The South African Police Services outlined in their statement that “Makhanya allegedly identified Ngubane as a soft target and took his ID smart card and used it to RICA sim cards that Makhanya would use to commit his long list of kidnapping and robbery crimes targeted at young women. At times, it is alleged that Makhanya would use Ngubane’s bank card to buy at various clothing stores.” Ngubane’s ID was found amongst almost 30 ID smart cards found in possession of the now-deceased suspect, Philangenkosi Makhanya.
According to reports, following preliminary investigations, authorities have found at least 20 cases where women have come forward stating that the listed suspects have kidnapped and robbed them. The cases were reported in different areas, reportedly including Johannesburg, Pretoria, Potchefstroom, Bloemfontein, Midrand, Ogies, and Nelspruit in Mpumalanga.
Police have further shared that the mother who had allegedly tipped off Makhanya, together with his father, who is the owner of the vehicle used in connection with the crime, have now been released from police custody after giving their statements. The other suspect, Bongani Mthimkhulu, is still at large, and investigations remain ongoing.
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