The government has expressed pleasure with the work of the criminal justice system in the response against Gender Based Violence. Cabinet said in a statement following its meeting that the SAPS was swift in its investigation of GBV cases which remain on the rise.
“We commend the SAPS for the speedy work in investigating and making arrests in cases of GBVF. The SAPS have already made arrests of suspects in the murder of Olorato Mongale, a Wits University student whose body was found after going on a date with her alleged killer. We extend governments deepest condolences to her family and friends,” said cabinet in the statement released by minister in the presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni.
The endorsement by cabinet comes at the back of an announcement by the SAPS that a third suspect has been added to the list of suspects sought in connection with the killing of Olorato.
“Bongani Mthimkhulu who is a friend to Philangenkosi Makhanya is also a wanted suspect in this case,” said the SAPS in media update.
Olorato Mongalo’s lifeless body was found by found by community members in Lombardy West, Johannesburg, on Sunday after her family had reported her missing. She had last been seen just two hours earlier, around 3pm, when she left her home in Athol with a man she had planned to go on a date with. When concerned friends were unable to reach Olorato, they used the “Find My Phone” feature, which led them to a site in Bramley, where her phone and other belongings had been dumped.
Ntshavheni said the government is ensuring that the SAPS are well equipped to deal with crime effectively.
“As government we will continue to intensify our fight against crime by recruiting and training new officers and reintroducing specialised crime-fighting units. This includes equipping our law enforcement agencies with modern tools and training which are required to tackle today’s complex crime challenges,” she said.
A man believed to be the owner of the white VW Polo hatch that Olorato was seen picked up in before her disappearance has been arrested and a man hunt continues for the three other suspects who police have warned are armed and dangerous.