By Zanele Makola
The brutal killing of 30-year-old Olorato Mongale has once again laid bare the grave danger South African women face — even when simply going on a date.
On Sunday, 25 May 2025, Mongale — a Rhodes University Journalism graduate and student at the University of the Witwatersrand — was reported missing by friends after failing to send her location as promised during a first date with a man known only as “John.” Her body was found the next day in Lombardy West, Johannesburg.
She had been picked up at 3:00 PM from her residential complex in Athol by a man driving a white Volkswagen Polo with tinted windows and a cloned license plate, LT 57 JG GP — a registration traced back to a Toyota Hilux.
According to police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, Mongale was driven through Alexandra and Kew before being murdered somewhere between those areas and Lombardy West. Police believe the killer attempted to discard her belongings, as her phone and handbag were found abandoned on 9th Road in Kew.
A nationwide manhunt led police to Amanzimtoti, south of Durban, where the prime suspect — Philangenkosi Makhanya — was shot dead after allegedly opening fire on police. His parents were arrested and later released after questioning. “His mother was taken in for tipping him off about the police search, while his father was arrested as the white VW Polo used in the crime was registered under his name,” Brigadier Mathe said.
Police are still searching for another suspect, Bongani Mthimkulu, who is believed to have been involved in Mongale’s murder. The public has been urged to assist or for Mthimkulu to surrender himself at his nearest police station.
Meanwhile, Fezile Ngubane, initially named as a suspect linked to a syndicate targeting women, has been cleared after further investigations revealed he was a victim, not a perpetrator. He has since been released from custody.
Authorities have confirmed that both Makhanya and Mthimkulu were previously out on bail for serious Schedule 6 offences, including kidnapping and robbery. Their release in April has raised fresh concerns about the justice system’s handling of repeat offenders.
“Police are currently investigating at least 20 similar cases involving women who have identified the same suspects as those who kidnapped and robbed them,” Mathe stated. These incidents span across various regions including Potchefstroom, Bloemfontein, Midrand, Ogies, Nelspruit, Pretoria, and Johannesburg.
Olorato’s murder has sparked widespread outrage and sorrow. In her hometown of Bloemfontein, friends, family, and community members gathered at Mahube Tumelo Hall on Thursday to honour her life.
Dr. Maureen Mongale, Olorato’s aunt, delivered a heartfelt tribute:
“It is difficult for us as a family to process this. I used to breastfeed Olorato even when I knew there was no milk. She was a darling, and we are devastated.”
Olorato was laid to rest on Sunday. Her tragic death serves not only as a personal loss to those who knew and loved her but also as a powerful warning about the harsh realities facing women in South Africa.
Her story is a sobering reminder of the vigilance women are forced to maintain — and of the urgent need for systemic change to end gender-based violence.
