Authorities Disrupt Gang Preying on Women After University Student’s Murder
South African authorities have intensified their efforts following the tragic murder of Olorato Mongale, a 30-year-old university student. The police report that they have dismantled a criminal gang known for targeting women in shopping malls, raising concerns about the safety of young women in public spaces.
Mongale’s body was discovered on Sunday in Lombardy, a suburb north of Johannesburg, just hours after her friends reported her missing. She had gone on a date with a man she met shortly before, prompting police investigations that have since led to the identification of three suspects believed to be connected to her death.
The Investigation
Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, speaking for the police, stated, “We have broken the back of a syndicate that is targeting women, especially young women, in malls for kidnapping and robbery.” Law enforcement has also recovered a Volkswagen Polo, allegedly linked to the murder, which was found containing blood traces at a workshop in Phoenix, Durban. One suspect, purported to be the vehicle’s owner, is currently in custody.
Police have released images of three additional suspects: Fezile Ngubane, Philangenkosi Sibongokuhle Makhanya, and Bongani Mthimkhulu, all of whom are reportedly evading capture. Mathe has cautioned the public against approaching these individuals, urging them to surrender at the nearest police station. Notably, Makhanya and Mthimkhulu were previously arrested for similar offenses, including the kidnapping and robbery of another woman in KwaZulu-Natal. Both were out on bail at the time of Mongale’s murder.
A Grievous Loss
Olorato Mongale was last seen with a man she had met days earlier. CCTV footage confirms she left a location in Kew, Johannesburg, walking towards a white Polo with fraudulent license plates. Before departing for her date, she shared her excitement with friends through a text message.
Tragically, police located her body in an open field shortly thereafter, inciting public outrage and calls for justice. Family spokesperson Criselda Kananda described the shocking nature of Mongale’s murder, revealing that her body had been “brutally violated.”
A candlelight vigil was held in Lombardy West to honor her memory, with family and friends remembering her as a vibrant and purposeful individual. Mongale was a journalism graduate from Rhodes University, having worked briefly as a multimedia reporter at TimesLIVE, where she reported on significant stories, including the murder of Karabo Mokoena in 2017.
A Wider Issue
Mongale’s death has highlighted ongoing concerns about the alarming rates of femicide and violence against women in South Africa. Recent statistics reveal that between January and March of this year, 137 women were murdered and over 1,000 were reported raped. A study conducted by the University of the Free State noted that, in 2020, a woman was killed by her intimate partner every eight hours.
According to United Nations data from 2019, South Africa is among the top five countries with the highest rates of women murdered. Moreover, the nation is grappling with one of the highest incidences of sexual violence globally, with a significant number of reported cases against children.
| Statistical Category | Figures |
|---|---|
| Women Murdered (Jan-Mar 2023) | 137 |
| Reported Rapes (Jan-Mar 2023) | Over 1,000 |
| Women Killed by Intimate Partner (2020) | 1 every 8 hours |
The community continues to mourn Mongale’s tragic loss while galvanizing efforts for justice and heightened awareness on the issue of violence against women.
