Olorato Mongale laid to rest as manhunt continues
Family and friends of slain Wits University student Olorato Mongale will say their final goodbyes in Bloemfontein today.
The 30-year-old was found dead a week ago after she was reported missing following a date in Johannesburg.
One suspect linked to her murder, Philangenkosi Makhanya, was killed during a shootout with KZN police on Friday at a residential complex in Amanzimtoti.
Meanwhile, police have cleared Fezile Ngubane, who was wrongfully named as a suspect.
National SAPS spokesperson Athlenda Mathe says Ngubane — who works at a car wash — was a victim of theft and had no involvement in the crime.
"Makhanya allegedly identified Ngubane as a soft target and took his ID smart card and used it to Rica SIM cards that Makhanya would use to commit his long list of kidnapping and robbery crimes targeted at young women. At times, it's alleged that he would use Ngubane’s bank card to buy at various clothing stores,” Mathe explained.
Ngubane’s ID was found as part of the 27 ID smart cards found in possession of the deceased.
Ngubane was handed over to police by his father at KwaMashu Police Station, after hearing he was being sought.
Police have also released Makhanya's parents after their statements were taken down.
Authorities say they're still searching for Bongani Mthimkhulu, who remains on the run and is linked to Mongale’s murder.
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