Jabulile Mbatha30 May 2025 | 15:00

Olorato Mongale murder: Cops receive almost 100 calls about cases likely linked to main suspect

Philangenkosi Makhanya, who was on the run since Mongale’s body was discovered, was shot dead by police in Aamanzimtoti, in the south of Durban, on Friday after he reportedly opened fire when confronted.

Olorato Mongale murder: Cops receive almost 100 calls about cases likely linked to main suspect

A memorial service was held for Olorato Mongale in Bloemfontein on 29 May 2025. Picture: Katlego Jiyane/EWN

DURBAN - Police have received almost 100 calls about other cases possibly linked to Philangenkosi Makhanya, who is the main suspect in the 30-year-old Olerato Mongale’s murder case.

Makhanya, who was on the run since Mongale’s body was discovered, was shot dead by police in Aamanzimtoti, in the south of Durban, on Friday after he reportedly opened fire when confronted.

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The KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner, Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, says Makhanya has also been linked to a kidnapping case in KwaMashu, in Durban, and police are following leads to uncover other suspects involved in his crimes. 

Mkhwanazi was speaking to the media at a block of flats in Amanzimtoti where Makhanya was killed.

“Over 90 calls that we have received as the SAPS [South African Police Service] as a whole in the country, we know that he is also having a kidnapping case at KwaMashu that he was supposed to appear in court for.”