Olorato Mongale Murder: Suspect Killed in Police Shootout in Amanzimtoti, Durban
Durban – Law enforcement officials have fatally shot a suspect connected to the murder of 30-year-old Olorato Mongale.
The suspect was cornered in an apartment in Amanzimtoti, where he reportedly opened fire on police before being subdued.
Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe confirmed the shootout, stating that a “takedown operation was in progress in Durban.”
The deceased suspect has not yet been identified, but authorities have circulated information about three individuals: Bongani Mthimkhulu, Philangenkosi Makhanya, and Fezile Ngubane.
Unverified sources suggest that Philangenkosi Makhanya is the suspect who was killed.
On Thursday, KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi announced that they had apprehended the mother of one of the suspects for questioning.
The mother is alleged to have alerted her son, one of the fugitives, that the police were closing in on his location.
An “elderly man” arrested earlier that day is linked to the VW Polo believed to be involved in the murder of the Rhodes University journalism graduate.
Mongale’s body was found on a sidewalk in Lombardy West on Sunday afternoon, aided by community members, shortly after she was picked up from her home in Athol by a man known only as “John,” who was driving a VW Polo.
The VW Polo is currently undergoing repairs at a local panel beater.
Forensic investigators from the police found blood inside the vehicle.
Two suspects are still evading capture.
The remaining suspects are:
