The primary suspect in the murder of 30-year-old university student Olorato Mongale was shot and killed by police during a confrontation in Amanzimtoti in the early hours of Friday morning.
According to police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, the suspect was located hiding at a residential complex. When officers announced their presence, he opened fire, prompting police to return fire, resulting in his death.
KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi stated that the suspect had arrived in Amanzimtoti seeking to rent a vehicle. The vehicle owner recognized him from media reports and attempted to persuade him to surrender to authorities. During this interaction, the suspect allegedly confessed to the murder of Mongale.
Mongale was last seen on Sunday, 25 May, after leaving for a date with a man she had met at a shopping center. Her body was discovered later that day in Lombardy West, Johannesburg. Police investigations revealed that she had been picked up in a white VW Polo with cloned license plates.
Authorities are still searching for two additional suspects believed to be connected to Mongale’s murder. One of them is thought to have fled to Zimbabwe. Police have urged anyone with information to contact Brigadier Nama at 082 778 9035.
Mongale, a journalism graduate from Rhodes University, had previously worked as a multimedia reporter. Her death has sparked national outrage and renewed calls for action against gender-based violence in South Africa.
Unlock Exclusive Content!
Subscribe to the Pondoland Times weekly newsletter for trusted alerts on SASSA payments, NSFAS funding, and breaking local news. Get exclusive interviews, community features, and verified stories you can rely on—delivered straight to your inbox.
