Two Olorato Mongale suspects were out on bail, says SAPS

Phila Makhanya and Bongani Mthimkhulu were previously arrested for kidnapping and robbery in April.

They were accused of robbing another woman in Brakpan.

However, they were released on bail six days later.

Police say the wanted suspects are believed to be part of a syndicate that targets women at malls, proposing to go on dates, only to rob them of their valuables.

Mongale's body was dumped in Lombardy West, Johannesburg, on Sunday after she was reported missing.

The three wanted suspects, including Fezile Ngubane, are believed to be hiding in KwaZulu-Natal.

Police have since arrested the owner of the VW Polo seen in footage of Mongale and identified him as the father of one of the suspects.

Investigations led Gauteng detectives to a panel beating shop in Durban on Wednesday, where they found the vehicle they believe her killers used.

Officials say traces of blood were picked up in the car.

They have released the names and pictures of three suspects, one of whom is believed to be from KwaMashu.

"A vigilant police officer was conducting his regular patrols, and he came across a suspicious-looking vehicle, the same VW Polo in question, and when he confronted the suspects, he found that they had just kidnapped a woman and robbed her,” national police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe said on Thursday.

"We immediately placed these two suspects under arrest. On the 22nd of April, they appeared in court and on the 26th of April, they got bail. So they are currently out on bail."

Mathe said they are linked to various other cases after scores of victims from different provinces, including Northern Cape and Free State, told police about their encounters with the suspects soon after their photographs were circulated on social media.

Mongale’s memorial service is being held in her hometown of Bloemfontein on Thursday.

She will be laid to rest on Sunday.

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