By Zanele Makola
Police have reported a surge in cases believed to be linked to the same criminal syndicate responsible for the death of Olorato Mongale, a former University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) student. Three new cases have been added to the 22 reported last week, bringing the total to 25.
Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, spokesperson for the South African Police Service (SAPS), confirmed the development, stating: “We are now standing at 25 cases linked to the syndicate.” She did not provide further details about the latest incidents under investigation.
According to SAPS, efforts are intensifying to locate Bongani Mthimkulu—the last remaining suspect in the kidnapping syndicate accused of targeting young women at shopping malls across several provinces. The alleged ringleader, Philangenkosi Makhanya, was killed in a shootout with police in Amanzimtoti, KwaZulu-Natal, last week.
“This is the only syndicate that we have identified that was moving across the country, targeting women in various malls across multiple provinces. These include the Free State, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, and North West,” said Brigadier Mathe.
As the search for Mthimkulu continues, the Mongale family has withdrawn its support for Fezile Ngubane, one of the individuals previously suspected in the case. Ngubane was later cleared by police, who concluded that he had been a victim of identity theft by the syndicate.
In a statement, Dr Criselda Kananda, the Mongale family spokesperson, explained the decision:
“I would like to take a moment to express my appreciation for the outpouring of support regarding the call to help Fezile Ngubane with his rehabilitation. Our initial intention was to assist in placing Fezile at a free rehabilitation centre, as we believe that simply throwing money at someone struggling with addiction is not a sustainable solution.”
Further complicating the case, SABC News interviewed a man—who requested anonymity—on Friday. Following the broadcast, one of the victims came forward and recognised the man’s voice as belonging to one of her kidnappers.
The woman, also speaking on condition of anonymity, recounted how she was lured by the man and subsequently abducted with the help of a woman posing as his sister. She was robbed of her valuables and said her experience closely resembled that of Olorato Mongale—though she was fortunate to survive.
“Women should be careful with what they post [online], because the guy told me they target women who display their lifestyles on social media,” she warned.
Journalists and law enforcement officials continue to work together to dismantle the syndicate and ensure the safety of women across South Africa.
