The South African Police Service (SAPS) has identified three suspects in the brutal murder of 30-year-old Olorato Mongale as part of a criminal syndicate preying on women, particularly in shopping malls.

The suspects, Fezile Ngubane, Philangenkosi Sibongokuhle Makhanya, and Bongani Mthimkhulu, are accused of of luring women through social media or direct approaches in malls, only to rob and, in some cases, kill them.

Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, SAPS spokesperson, revealed the syndicate’s chilling modus operandi
which includes inviting women on dates as a pretext to commit violent crimes.

Mongale’s body was discovered in Lombardy West, Johannesburg and police have since seized a white VW Polo in Durban linked to the crime, found with blood traces at a Phoenix panel beater workshop.

An elderly man, believed to be the vehicle’s owner and father of one suspect, has been arrested.
Makhanya and Mthimkhulu were previously arrested on April 20, for kidnapping and robbery in Brakpan, Johannesburg, using the same vehicle, but were released on bail.

Now considered dangerous and on the run, the trio is the focus of a nationwide manhunt. SAPS has appealed to the public to share the suspects’ photos to aid the investigation, as hundreds of women have reported similar encounters with the group.

Authorities urge anyone with information to contact their nearest police station. The case has sparked outrage, highlighting the vulnerability of women to targeted violent crime in public spaces.

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