A man suspected of murdering South African university student Olorato Mongale was shot dead by police during a raid in the early hours of Friday morning, as authorities continue investigating a criminal syndicate accused of targeting women.
Olorato Mongale, 30, was studying for a postgraduate degree at the University of the Witwatersrand when she went missing on Sunday, shortly after going on a date with a man she had recently met at a Johannesburg shopping mall. Her body was discovered hours later in an open field in Lombardy West, Johannesburg, sparking widespread outrage and national conversations about violence against women.
Police tracked the main suspect to a residential complex in Amanzimtoti, a coastal town in KwaZulu-Natal, where he reportedly opened fire on officers during an attempted arrest. The officers returned fire, fatally shooting the suspect, who has not been publicly named.
Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe confirmed the suspect was in possession of 28 identity cards and 12 mobile phones at the time of his death, raising suspicions of wider criminal activity.
Following the incident, Mongale’s family expressed a measure of relief. “It is quite a relief for the family that justice for Olorato, before we even lay her body to rest, would have been served,” said family spokesperson Chriselda Kananda.
Authorities have also taken the suspect’s parents into custody for questioning. His mother is accused of warning him about police presence at her home, allegedly helping him evade arrest. His father is the registered owner of a white Volkswagen Polo believed to have been used in Mongale’s abduction and murder. Blood traces were found in the vehicle, which has since been impounded. The parents have since been released.
Police have identified three suspects linked to Mongale’s killing: Fezile Ngubane, Philangenkosi Sibongokuhle Makhanya, and Bongani Mthimkhulu. Makhanya and Mthimkhulu had previously been arrested for kidnapping and robbery in KwaZulu-Natal, involving the same white VW Polo, but were released on bail.
Investigators now believe the suspects are part of a criminal gang targeting women at malls. “They propose dates to the women they meet and then plan to rob and harm them,” said Brigadier Mathe.
CCTV footage showed Mongale walking toward a white VW Polo with fake licence plates before she went missing. Friends say she had been excited for her date, texting shortly before she left home.
Her death has renewed focus on South Africa’s alarming rates of gender-based violence and femicide. Police Minister Senzo Mchunu called the murder “inhumane” and “gruesome,” and issued a heartfelt plea: “To all men, this is a plea — simple, urgent, and human: Please, stop killing women.”
A candlelight vigil was held Wednesday night at the site where Mongale’s body was found. Friends and family remembered her as a “bubbly, outspoken woman who lived with purpose and love.”
Police investigations continue as the two other suspects remain at large.
