Here's a detailed account of the events surrounding the death of Philangenkosi Makhanya, the man suspected of murdering Olorato Mongale:
The story of Olorato Mongale’s death took a dramatic turn on 31 May 2025, when police in KwaZulu-Natal fatally shot Philangenkosi Makhanya, the primary suspect in her murder. Mongale, a 30-year-old postgraduate student at Wits University, was found dead in Lombardy West, Johannesburg, a few days earlier, on 25 May 2025.
According to reports, police had been tracking Makhanya, who they believed was the key figure in Mongale's death. The investigation led them to a residential complex in Amanzimtoti, south of Durban. It was in the early hours of the morning that authorities cornered Makhanya in a flat within the complex.
Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, the KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner, was present at the scene as police cordoned off the area. The events that unfolded were described as intense. When police announced their presence, Makhanya reportedly opened fire on them. The officers responded, resulting in Makhanya being fatally wounded.
Before the deadly confrontation, Makhanya had allegedly confessed to the murder. The owner of the apartment where Makhanya was found claimed that Makhanya admitted he hadn't intended to kill Mongale, but was only after money. He purportedly asked the apartment owner to relay his confession to his mother.
The apartment owner also told reporters that Makhanya had come to his apartment to hire a car, a service he usually provides. However, after recognizing Makhanya from social media posts identifying him as a wanted suspect, the apartment owner refused to give him the car. Makhanya reportedly begged him, but the owner stood his ground.
Makhanya then allegedly threatened to take his own life. The apartment owner said he tried to calm him down, suggesting they go inside the apartment to talk without interruption. It was during this time that Makhanya confessed to his involvement in Mongale's death, stating that she was the first person he had ever killed. He also revealed that his mother had warned him against crime, but he had not listened.
The apartment owner claimed that Makhanya spent approximately three hours confessing. He said he feared for his safety and was hesitant to even touch his phone. Makhanya allegedly told him that his main reason for not wanting to go to jail was that he had numerous other cases pending against him.
The apartment owner said he urged Makhanya to hand himself over to the police. Makhanya seemingly agreed and even prayed with him. However, before they could act on this decision, the police arrived.
The vehicle used in Mongale's abduction, a white Volkswagen Polo with cloned registration plates, was a crucial piece of evidence in the case. The vehicle was traced to a Toyota Hilux and was eventually found at a workshop in Phoenix. Traces of blood were discovered inside, which forensic teams hoped to link to Mongale.
On 29 May 2025, police arrested two individuals believed to be Makhanya's parents for allegedly assisting him in evading capture. The VW Polo used in the murder reportedly belonged to Makhanya's father.
Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, the national police spokesperson, confirmed the shootout and urged the remaining suspects to surrender. She noted that the investigation was at a critical stage and suggested the possible involvement of a syndicate targeting women at malls.
Lieutenant-General Mkhwanazi stated that Makhanya had arrived at the apartment complex on 29 May 2025, with the intention of hiring a vehicle from a tenant. The tenant, upon seeing Makhanya's picture on social media, refused to rent him the car. Instead, he spent the day trying to persuade Makhanya to surrender to the police.
Mkhwanazi also revealed that Makhanya was found in possession of 28 ID cards and approximately 20 cellphones. The police were working to trace the owners of these items.
News of Mongale's murder sparked outrage across the country, bringing renewed attention to the issue of gender-based issues. A candlelight ceremony was held at Wits University on 29 May 2025, to mourn her death. Her family appealed to the public to refrain from sharing graphic images of her body, emphasizing the need to preserve her dignity.
Police investigations revealed that Makhanya and another suspect, Bongani Mthimkhulu, were out on bail after being arrested in Brakpan in April 2025, for allegedly kidnapping and robbing a woman. They had been released from custody shortly after their court appearance.
Further investigations led police to Makhanya's home in Inanda, north of Durban, where his father was arrested. It was believed that Makhanya's mother had tipped him off about the police, allowing him to evade arrest initially.
Another suspect in the case, Fezile Ngubane, was believed to have escaped to Zimbabwe. Police were continuing their efforts to locate him and Mthimkhulu.
Residents of the Mason Arbour Town complex in Amanzimtoti were awakened by the sound of gunshots as police confronted Makhanya. The incident caused chaos and concern among the residents. The chairperson of the body corporate, Denise Rajman, stated that she had been reading about the case and was shocked that it had unfolded in their complex.
Rajman said that Makhanya had entered the complex as a visitor and had attempted to hire a car from a tenant.
The police investigation into Mongale's murder is ongoing, with authorities determined to bring all those responsible to justice. Meanwhile, reports reaching our news desk allege that Fezile Ngubane, one of the suspects in the Orolato Mongale murder has been arrested by KwaZulu-Natal police and he is currently detained at KwaMashu police station in the north of Durban. It was believed that he had skipped the country and fled to Zimbabwe, but incoming reports claim that he allegedly handed himself in last night at KwaMashu police station, in KwaZulu-Natal.
Fezile Ngubane's arrest comes hours after two more suspects in KwaZulu-Natal were arrested in connection with Olorato Mongale’s murder case. It’s alleged the two were helping the main suspect, Philangenkosi Makhanya, with the logistics of evading arrest. It’s believed they fetched Makhanya after his mother reportedly tipped him off that police were looking for him. He was dropped off at a house in Amanzimtoti, south of Durban, where he was found by police, shot and killed. His parents have also been taken in for questioning.
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