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SA police warn killer of female university student may be in Zimbabwe
03 Jun 2025 at 11:48hrs | Views
South African police have raised the alarm that a key suspect in the murder of Wits University student Olorato Mongale may have fled to Zimbabwe.
Bongani Mthimkhulu, a resident of Zola in Soweto, is wanted in connection with the brutal killing of Mongale, who was last seen by friends after informing them she was going on a date. Her body was later discovered, sparking a manhunt for those responsible.
The primary suspect in the case, Philangenkosi Makhanya, was shot dead by police on May 29 after being cornered at a residential complex in Amanzimtoti, a coastal town south of Durban. Before his death, Makhanya allegedly confessed to the murder. His statement was relayed to police by a man who had been sheltering him.
KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner, General Nhlanhla Mkhwananzi, confirmed that Makhanya's associate had mentioned Zimbabwe as a potential destination for Mthimkhulu.
"The resident at the Amanzimtoti flats told us that Makhanya said one of the suspects was heading to Zimbabwe. We are still verifying that information as efforts to locate him continue," Mkhwananzi said.
Deputy Police Minister Polly Boshielo, speaking at Mongale's funeral service on Sunday, vowed that the authorities would not rest until Mthimkhulu is found.
"We will find Mthimkhulu - dead or alive. He and Makhanya were working together as part of a syndicate targeting women in shopping malls nationwide. So far, we have linked them to 22 cases involving kidnapping and robbery. Multiple women across the country have positively identified them," Boshielo said.
South African police are believed to have reached out to Zimbabwean law enforcement to assist in locating Mthimkhulu. The two countries have a standing extradition agreement, which could pave the way for his return to face justice should he be found in Zimbabwe.
Bongani Mthimkhulu, a resident of Zola in Soweto, is wanted in connection with the brutal killing of Mongale, who was last seen by friends after informing them she was going on a date. Her body was later discovered, sparking a manhunt for those responsible.
The primary suspect in the case, Philangenkosi Makhanya, was shot dead by police on May 29 after being cornered at a residential complex in Amanzimtoti, a coastal town south of Durban. Before his death, Makhanya allegedly confessed to the murder. His statement was relayed to police by a man who had been sheltering him.
KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner, General Nhlanhla Mkhwananzi, confirmed that Makhanya's associate had mentioned Zimbabwe as a potential destination for Mthimkhulu.
"The resident at the Amanzimtoti flats told us that Makhanya said one of the suspects was heading to Zimbabwe. We are still verifying that information as efforts to locate him continue," Mkhwananzi said.
Deputy Police Minister Polly Boshielo, speaking at Mongale's funeral service on Sunday, vowed that the authorities would not rest until Mthimkhulu is found.
"We will find Mthimkhulu - dead or alive. He and Makhanya were working together as part of a syndicate targeting women in shopping malls nationwide. So far, we have linked them to 22 cases involving kidnapping and robbery. Multiple women across the country have positively identified them," Boshielo said.
South African police are believed to have reached out to Zimbabwean law enforcement to assist in locating Mthimkhulu. The two countries have a standing extradition agreement, which could pave the way for his return to face justice should he be found in Zimbabwe.
Source - zimlive
