JOHANNESBURG – In a significant development that brings a glimmer of hope to a grieving family and concerned public, a second suspect linked to the brutal murder of 30-year-old Olorato Mongale has surrendered to police.
The man, whose identity is yet to be disclosed, handed himself over at the KwaMashu police station in KwaZulu-Natal on Friday afternoon. His surrender comes just hours after the main suspect, Philangenkosi Makhanya, was killed in a dramatic shootout with police in Amanzimtoti.
Mongale’s tragic story shocked the nation earlier this week when her body was discovered dumped in Lombardy West, Johannesburg. She had gone missing after meeting a man for a date—someone she had recently connected with. She never returned.
The case has sparked nationwide conversations about gender-based violence and the dangers women face when meeting strangers.
Police Minister Senzo Mchunu expressed determination to bring all those involved to justice. “There’s still one more suspect at large. I call on him to hand himself over. We will find him, dead or alive,” said Mchunu during a press briefing.
As investigations continue, community members, women’s rights groups, and residents around the country are calling for swift justice and stronger protection for women.