The South African Police Service (SAPS) has officially cleared Fezile Ngubane in the murder investigation of Olorato Mongale.
Read | Fezile Ngubane: A Suspect or a Scapegoat?
The South African Police Service has officially cleared Fezile Ngubane in the shocking murder of Olorato Mongale and the broader kidnapping syndicate investigation that has rattled communities across South Africa.
Ngubane, who lives in KwaMashu and washes cars for a living, was handed over to police by his father on Friday after news broke that he was wanted in connection with Olorato’s death. But after hours of intense questioning by a multi-disciplinary task team, police now say he was wrongfully linked and unknowingly used by the alleged mastermind, Philangenkosi Makhanya.
Makhanya, who was killed during a police operation, is believed to have stolen Ngubane’s ID smart card and used it to Rica multiple SIM cards tied to a series of crimes — including kidnappings, identity fraud, and shopping sprees using Ngubane’s bank details. Fezile’s ID was among 27 identity cards recovered in Makhanya’s possession.
Read also | BREAKING | 2nd Suspect in Olorato Mongale Murder Case, Fezile Ngubane, Surrenders to Police in KwaMashu, KZN
“Ngubane was not part of the syndicate. He was simply a neighbour, a victim targeted for his vulnerability,” police confirmed.
The update comes after a high-level task team — led by Gauteng Deputy Provincial Commissioner Major General Mbuso Khumalo, the SAPS National Anti-Kidnapping Task Team, and both the KZN and Gauteng Provincial Investigating Units — conducted a thorough probe that exonerated Ngubane.
In another development, the parents of one of the two main suspects — who had been brought in for questioning — have also been released after giving their statements.
Read | Suspect in Olorato Mongale Murder Philangenkosi Makhanya Case Shot Dead by Police in Amanzimtoti
Meanwhile, at least 20 women have come forward with harrowing accounts of being lured, kidnapped, and robbed by suspects now linked to this growing case. Reported incidents span across multiple provinces, including Potchefstroom, Bloemfontein, Pretoria, Johannesburg, Midrand, Ogies, and Nelspruit.
The manhunt for Bongani Mthimkhulu, the second suspect still on the run, continues. Police are once again appealing to him to hand himself in at the nearest police station.
As the investigation widens, communities remain on edge — but with Fezile Ngubane cleared, a deeper, darker truth is coming to light: the real predators were hiding in plain sight.
Police are now focusing their investigation on Makhanya and another suspect, Bongani Mthimkhulu, who is still at large. The two are believed to be linked to over 20 cases involving the kidnapping and robbery of women across different areas.
A national manhunt is underway, and SAPS is urging Bongani Mthimkhulu to hand himself over immediately.
This latest development has sparked emotional reactions across the country, especially from community members who had defended Ngubane’s innocence from the beginning.
We will continue to follow this story as it unfolds.
Leave a Reply