The main suspect in the murder of Olorato Mongale has been shot and killed by police in KwaZulu-Natal.
Philangenkosi Makhanya was found by the police in Amanzimtoti, south of Durban and when approached, he shot at the police who then returned fire killing him.
At the time of the shooting, Makhanya was hiding out at a flat in Amanzimtoti.
He is believed to be the main suspect in the Mongale case, following her killing. Her body was found dumped on the side of the road in Lombardy West, Johannesburg last week.
According to the South African Police Service (SAPS) spokesperson Athlenda Mathe, the suspect’s parents were arrested.
“His mother was arrested for tipping him that the police were looking for him while his father was arrested as it was established that he is the owner of the white VW Polo used in the commission of crime,” Mathe said.
A multidisciplinary team led by the SAPS’ anti-kidnapping task team seized the vehicle at a panel beater workshop in Phoenix, Durban.
The mother’s actions allowed their son to evade arrest on Wednesday evening.
The police are still searching for two additional suspects linked to the case.
Mongale was last seen on Sunday when she went on a date with her alleged killer, who picked her up from her residential complex in Athol, Johannesburg, driving a white VW Polo with a cloned number plate that belonged to a Toyota Hilux.
READ | Police find VW Polo used in Mongale’s murder
Mongale’s body was later found in Lombardy West on the same day by the police with the assistance of community members.
Two suspects believed to be involved in the murder are in custody. The investigation first led the team to a lodge in Kew, Johannesburg where two suspects had booked a room. – SAnews.gov.za
