Fezile Ngubane, a Durban man wrongly linked to the murder of Olorato Mongale, says he is relieved to have his name cleared—but the ordeal left him fearing for his life.
Ngubane, a struggling drug user in his late 30s, was one of three initially sought by police in connection with Mongale’s killing. Speaking to reporters, he insisted he had no involvement in the crime.
“I have a drug problem, but I am not violent. I have never raised my hand against any woman,” Ngubane said. His father supported his claims, stating that when police arrived searching for his son, he immediately knew there had been a mistake.
How Ngubane Was Wrongly Implicated
Investigations revealed that Ngubane’s ID had been used without his knowledge by Philangenkosi Makhanya, the actual suspect—who was later killed in a shootout with police. Ngubane admitted he had sold his ID card to Makhanya multiple times for R500 to buy drugs, unaware it was being used to register SIM cards for criminal activities.
Makhanya, who grew up in the same area as Ngubane, was found with multiple IDs, including Ngubane’s, at the time of his death. The white VW Polo used to pick up Mongale before her murder was later traced to Makhanya’s father’s panelbeating shop. Both of Makhanya’s parents were arrested—his mother for allegedly warning him about police.
A Father’s Relief and a Family’s Anguish
Ngubane’s father helped track him down to clear his name, expressing gratitude that both families could communicate openly amid the tragedy. He offered condolences to Mongale’s family, acknowledging their unimaginable loss.
Mongale was laid to rest in Bloemfontein on Sunday, while Ngubane—now exonerated—hopes to rebuild his life despite his ongoing struggles with addiction.
The case highlights the dangers of identity theft and the far-reaching consequences of criminal exploitation, leaving one family grieving and another grappling with the shock of wrongful accusation.