Murder Suspect Killed During Shootout With Police in KZN

By Natalie Nyathi

The main suspect in the murder of 30-year-old Olorato Mo dongale, who was killed on Sunday after meeting a man for a date, has been shot dead in a confrontation with police early this morning.

According to police information, a takedown operation was initiated after receiving tips that one of the suspects was hiding in a residential complex in Amanzimtoti, KwaZulu-Natal (KZN).

Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe reported that when officers announced their presence, the suspect fired at them, prompting them to return fire, resulting in his fatal injuries.

Newsroom Africa reported that the suspect, Philangenkosi Makhanya, allegedly expressed a desire to commit suicide but was dissuaded from doing so before the shootout.

Initially, the police had identified three suspects—Bongani Mthimkhulu, Philangenkosi Makhanya, and Fezile Ngubane—in connection with Mongale’s murder. Her body was discovered next to Cambridge West in Johannesburg on Sunday.

While police continue the search for the two remaining suspects, they have detained the parents of one of the wanted men for questioning. The mother was taken in after allegedly warning her son about police interest in him, allowing him to evade arrest on Wednesday.

The family of Olorato Mongale expressed their hope to confront the killer and understand the motive behind her murder. However, they also conveyed relief that he has been found and killed by the police.

Meanwhile, KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwananzi stated: “We have received over 90 calls as SAPS. We know that he is also wanted for a kidnapping case here in Kwamashu, for which he was supposed to appear. In his possession, we found no less than 28 ID cards and 20 cellphones. He has been moving around with a safe, and we are trying to trace the IDs to identify potential victims.”

The investigation continues as police work to uncover more details related to the suspects and their activities.