Wits University Student Murder: Suspect Believed to Have Fled to Zimbabwe
South African police are intensifying their efforts to track down Bongani Mthimkhulu, a suspect in the murder of Wits University student Olorato Mongale, who is believed to have fled to Zimbabwe.
The main suspect, Philangenkosi Makhanya, was killed in a shootout with police on May 29 after being cornered at a residential complex in Amanzimtoti, south of Durban.
According to police, Makhanya had confessed to the murder before his death. His confession was relayed to police by a man who had been harbouring him at the complex.
Also Read: Olorato Mongale’s Murder Exposes Crime Ring Preying on Women in Johannesburg
Olorato Told Friends She Was Going on a Date
Olorato Mongale, a female Wits University student, was reported missing after informing her friends that she was going on a date. Her body was later discovered, prompting a nationwide outcry and police investigation.
Police say Makhanya and Mthimkhulu, who is from Zola in Soweto, operated as a criminal syndicate targeting women at various malls across South Africa.
“We Won’t Rest Until We Find Him”
KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner General Nhlanhla Mkhwananzi revealed that Makhanya had allegedly informed his host that Mthimkhulu was planning to escape to Zimbabwe.
“This guy here (resident at Amanzimtoti flats where Makhanya was found hiding) tells us that when he interviewed the deceased, he told him that one of the suspects said he was going to Zimbabwe. We don’t know about that, we’re still trying to locate him,” said Mkhwananzi.
Deputy Police Minister Polly Boshielo, speaking at Olorato’s funeral on Sunday, vowed that Mthimkhulu would be brought to justice.
“We will also not rest until we find Mthimkhulu. He and Philangenkosi Makhanya were working together and they were a syndicate that was targeting women in various malls across the country. Our investigation is now standing at 22 cases that they are linked to. Women from across the country have positively identified them as the pair that kidnapped and robbed them,” said Boshielo.
Cross-Border Efforts Underway
Authorities have confirmed that a request for cooperation has already been sent to Zimbabwean law enforcement through official channels. South Africa and Zimbabwe have a standing extradition agreement, which could assist in bringing Mthimkhulu back to face justice.
Police urge anyone with information about Mthimkhulu’s whereabouts to come forward as the search for justice continues.