Olorato Mongale Murder Case: Second Suspect Hands Himself Over to Police Officers in KwaMashu

• A man wanted in connection with the murder of Olorato Mongale has handed himself over to police
• The suspect handed himself over after the main suspect, Philangenkosi Makhanya, was killed in a shootout
• Police Minister Senzo Mchunu confirmed that one other suspect remains at large and could have fled South Africa

Briefly News journalist Byron Pillay has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He spent 10 years working for the Northern Natal Courier before transitioning to online journalism.

KWAZULU-NATAL – One of the men wanted for the murder of Olorato Mongale has handed himself over to police.

The suspect, who cannot be named as yet, went to the KwaMashu Police Station in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), where he handed himself over to police.

The decision to hand himself over comes on the same day that the main suspect in the matter, Philangenkosi Makhanya, was killed in a shootout with police. Makhanya was shot dead in Amanzimtoti on Friday, 30 May 2025.

Suspect hands himself over to police

According to Eyewitness News, one of the remaining suspects handed himself over to police.

The news was confirmed by Police Minister, Senzo Mchunu, who noted that investigations were at an advanced stage.

"The second one did hand himself over to police in KwaMashu. The other one I’m told ran somewhere, out of the country. That means nothing, we will find him,” Mchunu said.

He added that he previously appealed to the suspects to hand themselves over to police, noting that they were wanted dead or alive.

Police praised for swift action

Police have been praised for their swift response in identifying the suspects involved in the matter, as the case made headlines both locally and abroad.

KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi also confirmed that police in the province were working together with their counterparts in Gauteng to bring those responsible to book.

While the police have earned praise, the murder also highlighted the ever-present Gender-based violence (GBV) issue plaguing the country.

Speaking about the matter, the EFF welcomed the swift response by law enforcement officials, but raised concerns about the crime.

“Olorato's murder is not an isolated case; it is part of a terrifying epidemic that we have been highlighting for a long time. Gender-based violence statistics in South Africa reveal a grim reality: women live in constant fear, and too often, that fear is realised through assault, rape, and murder,” the party said.

What you need to know about the case

• Police seized the VW Polo allegedly used in Olorato Mongale's murder at a panel beater workshop.
• The South African Police Service confirmed they were investigating a criminal syndicate that targeted women at malls.
• One of the men wanted for the murder of Mongale was shot dead after a shootout with police.
• A candlelight memorial was held in the vicinity where Mongale's body was dumped, as mourners and locals gathered.
• Sol Phenduka weighed in on the case following the death of the main suspect in the murder case.

Woman shares kidnapping story after Olorato's death

Briefly News reported that the murder of Mongale has shed further spotlight on gender-based violence in the country.

A young South African woman from Pretoria went viral as she shared her own traumatic experience from 2017.

The woman's story resonated with many, as she recounted how a case was opened, but nothing was ever done.

Source: Briefly News