VW Polo Believed to Have Been Used in Murder of Wits Student Found in Phoenix, 3 Suspects Sought by Police

NOLWAZI NXUMALO|May 29, 2025

***SEIZED: Police have seized the car that was allegedly used in the killing of Olerato Mongale. Photo: SAPS***

Police have found and seized the car that was allegedly used in the killing of Olorato Mongale, and the elderly man identified as the owner of the vehicle has been arrested.

The 30-year-old journalism graduate from Rhodes University and a student at the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) was reported missing after going on a first date with a man only known as “John”.

National Police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe said police intelligence led investigators to the notorious KwaMashu township in the north of Durban, where the home of one of the suspects is located.

“The suspects’ vehicle was later found at a panel beater workshop in Phoenix, Durban. South African Police Service (SAPS) National Crime Intelligence Unit worked tirelessly in finding the described car, and the VW Polo was traced to a panel beater in Phoenix, Durban.

***SLAIN: Olorato Mongale was reported missing after going on a first date with a man only known as “John”. She was later found dead. Photo: SAPS***

***WANTED: The police are searching for Fezile Ngubane, who is suspected to be directly linked to Mongale’s murder. Photo: SAPS***

***WANTED: The police are searching for Philangenkosi Sibongokuhle Makhanya, who is suspected to be directly linked to Mongale’s murder. Photo: SAPS***

The police are searching for three suspects identified as Fezile Ngubane, Philangenkosi Sibongokuhle Makhanya and Bongani Mthimkhulu, who are suspected to be directly linked to the killing of Mongale.