Police have made a significant breakthrough in the Olorato Mongale murder case by recovering the vehicle linked to her death, prompting a manhunt for additional suspects.
Image: Supplied: SAPS
In a major development in the Olorato Mongale murder investigation, police have tracked down and impounded the white VW Polo suspected to have been used in her killing.
National police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said a multidisciplinary team, spearheaded by the SAPS Anti-Kidnapping Task Team, recovered the vehicle at a panel beating workshop in Phoenix, Durban.
Mathe disclosed that the investigation’s first lead took the team to a lodge in Kew, Johannesburg, where two suspects had stayed. From there, further inquiries extended the search to KwaZulu-Natal.
"The investigation first led the team to a lodge in Kew, Johannesburg, where two suspects had booked a room.
"Further intelligence led them to KwaMashu in Durban to 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."
The white VW Polo suspected in the murder was recovered at a workshop in Phoenix, Durban.
Image: Supplied: SAPS
She further revealed that an elderly man, believed to be the vehicle's owner, has been arrested. However, authorities are still actively pursuing two other men suspected of playing a direct role in Olorato’s murder.
Mathe appealed to the public for assistance in tracking down the two fugitives, named Fezile Ngubane and Philangenkosi Sibongokuhle Makhanya, who are still on the run.
"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. The police are searching for Fezile Ngubane and Philangankosi Sibongokuhle Makhanya," she added.
Both suspects are considered armed and dangerous. The public is advised not to approach them and to report any sightings immediately by calling Brigadier Nama at +27 (82) 778-9035.
Amidst this intense investigation, National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola expressed gratitude to the various teams involved in the investigation, including the SAPS Gauteng Provincial Investigation Unit (PIU), the DPCI KwaZulu-Natal Tracking Team, the Durban Metro Police K-9 unit, and private security personnel who supported the SAPS Anti-Kidnapping Task Team.
"These suspects are warned to hand themselves over at their nearest police station," Masemola cautioned.
Olerato Mongale.
Image: Supplied
The tragic narrative surrounding Mongale has captured public attention, as it has emerged that she was murdered just hours after her date with a man known to her as "John".
This is a developing story.
The Star
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