Suspect In Olorato Mongale Murder Killed In Durban Shootout As Shocking Syndicate Details Emerge

One of the three fugitives wanted in connection with the brutal murder of University of Witwatersrand Master’s student Olorato Mongale was shot and killed by police in Durban during the early hours of Friday morning.

Philangenkosi Sibongokuhle Makhanya, named by police as the prime suspect, was fatally wounded during a gunfire exchange at a residential complex in Amanzimtoti.

This came just hours after authorities launched a nationwide manhunt for Makhanya and two accomplices, Fezile Ngubane and Bongani Mthimkhulu, who were labelled as armed and dangerous. Mongale, 30, was reported missing on Sunday, 25 May 2025. Her body was later found dumped in Lombardy, north of Johannesburg, sparking a wave of public outcry and a swift police investigation.

KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi confirmed that more than 90 women across South Africa have since contacted authorities, identifying themselves as victims of the same trio.

Safe Full of Stolen IDs, Syndicate Links Uncovered

As details unfolded, police revealed that Makhanya had been carrying a large safe containing over 28 stolen ID cards and more than 20 mobile phones. “He’s also been moving around with a safe, though we don’t yet know what it was being used for,” Mkhwanazi stated.

Investigators now believe Makhanya and his co-accused were part of a syndicate targeting young women. According to national police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe, the group’s modus operandi involved approaching women in malls, asking them on dates, and then robbing or abducting them.

“We do officially confirm that we are investigating a syndicate,” Mathe said. “We do believe that we have broken the back of a syndicate that is targeting women, especially young women.”

Mongale had reportedly met one of the suspects at a mall in Bloemfontein days before her death. “He reached out to her, saying he was in Joburg and asked that they meet for lunch,” said family spokesperson Criselda Kananda.

The investigation led police to a lodge in Kew, Johannesburg, where two of the suspects had booked a room but never stayed. A vehicle used to pick up Mongale was later traced to a panel beater’s shop in Phoenix, Durban — it had cloned number plates and traces of blood were found inside.

Last Hideout and a Desperate Confession

Makhanya’s final hours were spent at an Amanzimtoti apartment belonging to a gospel music coordinator, who also rented cars for a living. Upon Makhanya’s arrival, he asked to rent a car — but the owner, who recognised him from media reports, refused and instead tried to convince him to surrender.

“The guy said upon seeing his photo in the media, he then decided that he’s not going to give him a vehicle. But he stayed with him the whole day, trying to convince him to hand himself over,” Mkhwanazi said.

According to the gospel coordinator, Makhanya confessed to the killing and even contemplated suicide. He also claimed that one of his accomplices had fled to Zimbabwe.

When police arrived at the apartment, Makhanya opened fire, prompting officers to return fire and fatally wound him. “When police announced their arrival, he shot at police, police returned fire and he was fatally wounded,” Mathe confirmed.

Authorities later arrested two individuals who allegedly drove Makhanya around Durban, helping him withdraw cash and transporting him to the apartment.

Meanwhile, Makhanya’s parents were briefly detained, and his mother may still face charges for tipping him off. “What is disturbing more than anything is that the mother tipped off the son while the police were in the house,” Mkhwanazi told SABC News. “The mother called the son telling him to get away while he was in hiding, that’s why she might have to face the music.”

Mthimkhulu and Makhanya had both been arrested earlier this year in Brakpan for similar charges but were released on bail. Authorities continue to investigate the full extent of the syndicate’s activities as survivors come forward.

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