The South African Police Service (SAPS) has escalated efforts to dismantle the syndicate responsible for the brutal murder of Olorato Mongale, a postgraduate student at the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits). This development follows the tragic death of Mongale on 25 May 2025. The incident has sparked nationwide outrage over gender-based violence (GBV) and femicide in South Africa.
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Background of the Case
Authorities found Olorato Mongale, a 30-year-old Wits postgraduate student, murdered in Johannesburg just hours after someone reported her missing. She left her home with an unidentified individual, and authorities discovered her body shortly afterward. Mongale was pursuing a Master of Arts in ICT Policy and Regulation. She was known for her academic dedication and vibrant personality. Her death has deeply affected the Wits community and the broader public, prompting calls for justice and stronger measures against GBV.
Police Action and Suspect Developments
Investigators revealed that a criminal syndicate targeting young women across multiple provinces was behind Mongale’s murder. Police shot and killed the main suspect, Philangenkosi Makhanya, during a shootout in Amanzimtoti, KwaZulu-Natal. He had opened fire on officers attempting to arrest him. Another suspect, Bongani Mthimkhulu, remains at large, with police intensifying their manhunt.
Authorities have also detained the parents of the deceased suspect. The mother allegedly warned her son about police presence, aiding his evasion. Meanwhile, the father reportedly owns a Volkswagen Polo connected to the crime. This vehicle was also implicated in other criminal activities, including kidnapping and robbery, linked to the same syndicate.
Fezile Ngubane, initially arrested as a suspect, was cleared by police. Ngubane was a victim of identity theft by the main suspect, Philangenkosi Makhanya, who used Ngubane’s identity to register multiple SIM cards for criminal activities. Despite being taken in for questioning, authorities confirmed Ngubane played no role in Mongale’s death. The Mongale family has publicly urged South Africans to show compassion towards Ngubane, recognising him as another victim of the syndicate’s crimes.
Expansion of the Investigation
SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe confirmed that the number of cases associated with this syndicate has risen from 22 to 25. These cases span several provinces, including Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Free State, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, and North West. The syndicate reportedly targeted women in shopping malls and other public spaces. They engaged in kidnapping and robbery.
The police are closing in on Bongani Mthimkhulu, the last known suspect connected to the syndicate. The investigation highlights a broader pattern of organised crime exploiting vulnerable women. It highlights the urgent need for coordinated law enforcement responses.
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Impact on the Community and Family
The Wits University community has expressed profound grief and condemnation of the femicide. A candlelight ceremony was held on 29 May 2025 to honour Mongale’s memory, with counselling services made available to students and staff affected by the tragedy. The Mongale family has also been vocal in their pursuit of justice, withdrawing support from individuals wrongly implicated. Fezile Ngubane was cleared of involvement but had been initially arrested due to identity theft by the syndicate.
Broader Context of Gender-Based Violence in South Africa
Mongale’s murder has reignited national discourse on the pervasive violence faced by women in South Africa. Police Minister Senzo Mchunu described the incident as “inhumane” and “gruesome,” appealing to society to end the killing of women. The case exemplifies the urgent need for systemic change to protect women and dismantle criminal networks that perpetuate such violence.
The intensified police investigation into the syndicate behind Olorato Mongale’s murder reflects a critical step in addressing organised crime linked to gender-based violence. As authorities pursue remaining suspects and uncover further cases, the tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges South Africa faces in safeguarding its women. The Wits community and the nation continue to mourn Mongale’s loss while demanding justice and stronger protective measures.
