In a significant development in the ongoing murder investigation of 30-year-old Olorato Mongale, a second suspect has voluntarily surrendered to authorities in KwaZulu-Natal. Eyewitness News has confirmed that the unidentified man arrived at the KwaMashu police station this afternoon, seeking to take responsibility for his alleged involvement in the harrowing case.
This latest turn of events follows the death of the primary suspect, Philangenkosi Makhanya, who was fatally shot by police during an incident in Amanzimtoti in the early hours of Friday. Makhanya’s demise has raised further questions about the circumstances surrounding Mongale’s tragic death, which has captivated the nation since her body was discovered unceremoniously dumped in Lombardy West, Johannesburg on Monday, just one day after she went missing following a date with a man she had recently met.
Investigations into the murder are reportedly at an advanced stage, yet the police continue to pursue one additional suspect who remains at large. “The second one did hand himself over to police in KwaMashu. The other one I’m told ran somewhere, out of the country or whatever. That means nothing, we will find him,” said Police Minister Senzo Mchunu in an emphatic statement. He appealed to the remaining suspect to surrender voluntarily, cautioning that the police are determined to pursue all avenues to ensure justice is served, asserting, “Or else… they must know, we want them dead or alive.”
Mongale’s tragic case underscores a growing concern over gender-based violence in South Africa, a nation grappling with alarming rates of violence against women. The public response to her story has ignited conversations around safety, accountability, and the imperative for authorities to act decisively in such matters. As the investigation unfolds, the hope remains that Mongale’s loved ones will find closure amidst this senseless tragedy.