By Missing Person South Africa
A Chilling Account From a Survivor
A woman, whose identity is being protected for her safety, has come forward with a chilling story about her connection to the same syndicate believed to be behind the death of 21-year-old Olorato Mongale. Speaking exclusively to SABC News, she detailed a disturbing encounter with the group that allegedly preyed on vulnerable young women through fake online relationships.
Her story mirrors the same timeline and modus operandi tied to the murder of Philangenkosi Makhanya, the man initially suspected in Olorato’s case, who was later fatally shot by SAPS in Amanzimtoti.
“They picked me up from the airport when I came to see my new boyfriend in Durban,” she said. “That’s when I first saw Philangenkosi. He was pretending to be someone who needed a refund for a rental car. My ‘boyfriend’ asked me to lend him R500 to pay him and promised to refund me with my flight money. I agreed, thinking nothing of it.”
But it didn’t end there.
“That’s how they work—deception, manipulation, and trust-building. And I later realized the voice of the flat owner from the Amanzimtoti incident was someone I knew. He manipulated the police in front of me before. When I heard that interview about Olorato, I knew instantly—he’s lying. He’s still out there.”
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Timeline: From Missing to Murdered
Olorato Mongale went missing on Sunday, 25 May 2025 after telling friends she was traveling to meet someone she met online. hours later, her body was discovered with severe injuries on a road in Lombardy West. Initial police reports pointed to Philangenkosi Makhanya as the suspect. He was gunned down days later by police during a standoff in Amanzimtoti.
However, this recent testimony casts doubt on the full truth, suggesting that Makhanya may not have acted alone or may not have been responsible at all.
A Bigger Network Than We Thought?
According to the anonymous witness, the group isn’t just a small ring of men but includes women as well, who assist in luring and silencing victims. “They operate like a family. Everyone has a role. And some members are still walking free,” she emphasized.
She added, “I still believe Olorato was killed by the man who owns that flat. Not Makhanya. I know his voice—I’ll never forget it.”
Authorities have not publicly confirmed whether the flat owner is being investigated further, but SABC confirmed that SAPS is now working more closely with survivors like her to uncover the full extent of this syndicate.
🤔 Did Authorities Miss the Signs?
Why did it take another victim to come forward before real questions were asked?
From the beginning, many who watched the flat owner’s interview felt something was off. His tone, body language, and vague statements raised red flags. Now, with a new victim saying she recognised his voice and knows him as a manipulator, it forces us to ask:
Were police deceived, or is there more to this man’s connection than we were told?
📌 Here are points authorities could have looked into sooner:
- His relationship with Philangenkosi Makhanya – Why was a known criminal comfortable in his home?
- Access to the crime scene – Was this man questioned properly, or dismissed as just another bystander?
If what the survivor is saying is true — that he manipulated police in front of her eyes in a separate incident — we have to wonder:
How many other victims are still silent because no one believed them the first time?
🗣 What Do You Think?
Do you believe the police missed something?
Was this man protected, or did they simply not listen closely enough?
The Dangers of Digital Deception
This case brings urgent attention to the dangers of online dating and false identities on social media. According to a 2024 report by the South African Centre for Violence Prevention, cyber-enabled crimes involving relationship scams have increased by over 38% in the past year alone.
Young women, especially, are at risk of being manipulated by criminals posing as romantic interests.
Safety Tips: What You Can Do to Stay Safe
If you or a loved one meets someone online:
- Never share personal details or financial information until trust is established through verified channels.
- Meet in public places and inform a family member or friend of your whereabouts.
- Do a background check or reverse image search of their photos.
- Trust your instincts. If something feels off, it probably is.
Let Her Story Be a Wake-Up Call
As the woman bravely shares her story, it serves as a wake-up call for many who believe they are immune to these dangers. “I could’ve been Olorato,” she said. “That thought haunts me every day.”
What Can You Do?
Have you or someone you know ever experienced online manipulation or scams? What do you think needs to change to protect young women from predators who hide behind screens?
Join the conversation in the comments. Share this story widely to warn others and help prevent another tragedy.
If you have information that may assist authorities, please contact your local SAPS office or Missing Person South Africa.
Missing Person South Africa is the official platform where this story is being followed.
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