Olorato Mongale: Suspect in South Africa scholar’s homicide killed in police shootout

A suspect wished for the homicide of a South African college scholar has been killed in a shootout with police.

The person had been linked to the demise of Olorato Mongale, whose physique was present in Johannesburg on Sunday, about two hours after she was reported lacking having gone on a date.

Within the early hours of Friday morning, cops discovered the primary suspect hiding at a residential complicated within the coastal city of Amanzimtoti, police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe mentioned.

The suspect, who has not been named by the police, shot on the officers, who returned fireplace and killed him, Brigadier Mathe added.

Regional police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi mentioned that on the time of the suspect’s demise, he had 28 ID playing cards and a dozen cell phones in his possession.

Ms Mongale’s demise has sparked a fierce debate in regards to the ranges of violence confronted by ladies in South Africa.

The nation has one of many highest charges of femicide and gender-based violence on this planet.

In an impassioned assertion, Police Minister Senzo Mchunu referred to as Ms Mongale’s killing “inhumane” and “grotesque”, including: “To all males, it is a plea – easy, pressing, and human: Please, cease killing ladies.”

Whereas persevering with the seek for two different males allegedly linked to the homicide, the police took the dad and mom of the deceased suspect into custody.

The suspect’s mom is accused of enabling him to “evade arrest” by tipping him off in regards to the police’s presence at her home.

The police additionally mentioned the suspect’s father is the proprietor of a VW Polo allegedly utilized in Ms Mongale’s homicide.

The car, which has been seized by the police, had traces of blood inside it, Brig Mathe mentioned.

The suspect’s dad and mom had been questioned in custody however have now been launched, mentioned commissioner Mkhwanazi.

Earlier this week, the police named the three suspects linked to the killing as Fezile Ngubane, Philangenkosi Sibongokuhle Makhanya and Bongani Mthimkhulu.

Two of them – Mr Makhanya and Mr Mthimkhulu – had been final month arrested for kidnapping and robbing a girl in KwaZulu-Natal, utilizing the identical VW Polo concerned in Ms Mongale’s homicide, police mentioned. Each males had been freed on bail.

As a part of their investigation into the killing, the police have recognized a legal gang or “syndicate” who’ve been concentrating on ladies in malls “for kidnapping and theft”, mentioned police spokesperson Mathe.

“They suggest them, request to take them out on a date. After they agree, that’s once they plan to rob them,” she added.

When Ms Mongale was final seen on Sunday, she was on a date with a person she had met just a few days earlier at a procuring centre.

CCTV footage confirmed her leaving a location in Kew, Johannesburg, and strolling in direction of a white VW Polo with pretend licence plates.

The 30-year-old’s associates mentioned she was invited for a date by a person solely recognized as John, who she had met in Johannesburg, the place she was finding out for a postgraduate diploma at Witwatersrand College.

She texted one in every of her associates shortly earlier than leaving house, saying that she was excited and preparing for her date.

However police later discovered her physique in an open discipline, sparking public outrage and requires justice.

Household spokesperson Criselda Kananda mentioned Ms Mongale’s physique was “brutally violated”.

A candlelight vigil was held on Wednesday night in Lombardy West, on the website the place her physique was discovered.

Household and associates have described her as an outspoken, bubbly lady who “lived with goal and love”, native media reported.