“I don’t feel anything because nothing will bring back my child.”
These were the words of Olorato Mongale’s mother as the country, still mourning her daughter’s death, learned that the key suspect, Phila Makhanya, had been shot dead by police during a confrontation in Amanzimtoti, south of Durban, on Friday.
“The justice I would have wanted was for them to die just as they killed my child,” she said.
“She was special, and she’s left a void in the family. We already feel it,” Keabetswe Mongale shared in an emotional interview with the SABC, capturing the grief of a nation moved by her daughter’s story.
Less than a week ago, Mongale, a 30-year-old Johannesburg woman, was found dead just hours after leaving her home for a date.
Watch Live Below:
What followed was a rapidly unfolding investigation that led to multiple arrests, allegations of parental involvement, and the dramatic end of a suspect on the run.
Makhanya, who allegedly confessed to Mongale’s murder shortly before his death, also told a witness that a second suspect, Fezile Ngubane, was on his way to Zimbabwe. A third suspect, Bongani Mthimkhulu, remains at large.
Police revealed that Makhanya and Mthimkhulu were out on bail at the time of Mongale’s murder, having been arrested on April 20 in connection with a kidnapping and robbery in Brockbunny, Johannesburg.
Makhanya was also linked to a separate kidnapping case in KwaMashu and had a pending court appearance in Brakpan.
“We know he also had a kidnapping case in KwaMashu and was due to appear in court. He also had a pending case in Brakpan, where he was meant to appear on Monday,” said KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.
Mongale was last seen on Sunday when she left her home in Athol, Johannesburg, for a date with a man later identified as Makhanya. Police believe he drove her through Alexandra and to Kew, where he allegedly murdered her and dumped her body in nearby Lombardy West.
Her phone and handbag were later found abandoned, and her body was discovered around 4:50 p.m. with the help of community members.
Investigations revealed Makhanya used the alias “John” and drove a VW Polo with a cloned number plate.
On Wednesday, authorities released the names and photos of the suspects. The next day, Makhanya’s parents were detained for allegedly warning him about the police search—his father owned the getaway vehicle, and his mother had reportedly tipped him off. Both have since been released.
“Taking them into custody was part of efforts to locate him,” said Mkhwanazi.
Two others, who helped Makhanya escape, were arrested for transporting him to Amanzimtoti and withdrawing money on his behalf.
It was there that Makhanya approached a man known for renting out vehicles from his flat. Recognizing him from media reports, the man refused to assist and instead tried to convince him to surrender. According to police, Makhanya confessed to the murder during this interaction.
“The witness tried to get him to turn himself in,” Mkhwanazi said.
Police later found 28 identity documents and 20 mobile phones in Makhanya’s possession, suggesting a wider web of possible crimes.
“We’re still tracing the owners of the IDs and phones, and determining how they link to his other crimes,” Mkhwanazi added.
KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli praised the SAPS for their swift action.
“This outcome shows our commitment to ensuring justice is neither delayed nor denied,” Ntuli said, urging the remaining suspect to surrender. “To the individual still evading justice: your time is running out. Law enforcement is closing in.”
He also commended the public: “We salute the courageous individuals who provided key information. This kind of cooperation is vital to dismantling criminal networks and reclaiming our communities from fear and violence.”
As the police search continues, the country mourns alongside a mother whose world has been shattered.
“All I wanted was my daughter,” she said—a simple plea that now resonates across South Africa.
