Latest news with #FezileNgubane
The Herald
05-06-2025
- The Herald
Manhunt continues for third suspect in Olorato Mongale murder case
Police are still searching for Bongani Mthimkhulu, the remaining suspect implicated in the murder of 30-year-old student Olorato Mongale. Last week, Mthimkhulu was identified as the third suspect in the case along with Philangenkosi Makhanya and Fezile Ngubane. Makhanya was killed during an altercation with police in KZN on Friday, while Ngubane was cleared by police at the weekend. Speaking to Sowetan, national police spokesperson Brig Athlenda Mathe said Mthimkhulu had not yet been found. 'The police are still searching,' she said. Last week Mathe revealed that Makhanya and Mthimkhulu had been arrested for kidnapping and robbery in Brakpan in April, but were released on bail. ' On April 20 this year, we arrested them [Makhanya and Mthimkhulu] on a charge of kidnapping and robbery in the Brakpan area, where a vigilant police officer was conducting his regular patrols. He came across a suspicious-looking vehicle, a VW Polo and when he confronted the suspects, he found that they had just kidnapped a woman and robbed her.
The Herald
04-06-2025
- Health
- The Herald
Olorato Mongale's family steps aside from helping former suspect
The family of murdered Wits postgraduate student Olorato Mongale has stepped back from assisting Fezile Ngubane in getting help with drug rehabilitation. After the brutal murder of Mongale in Johannesburg on May 25, police said they wanted Ngubane and two others for questioning in connection with her murder. Ngubane's father handed his son over to KwaMashu police on Friday when he learnt his son was being sought by police. National police spokesperson Brig Athlenda Mathe said on Saturday that a multidisciplinary team cleared Ngubane after a thorough interview and preliminary investigation. Mathe said a preliminary report found Ngubane washes cars for a living and stays in the same neighbourhood as another suspect Philangenkosi Makhanya, who was killed during a confrontation with police at an Amanzimtoti flat on Friday. Another suspect remains at large. After it emerged that Ngubane suffered from drug addiction, Mongale's aunt Chriselda Kananda posted on social media on Sunday asking: 'Can we please organise rehab for Fezile Ngubane, can someone please get me in touch with him.' Kananda said Ngubane's parents must really wish for their son to be rehabilitated. She said Mongale would have approved this in her honour. However on Tuesday, Kananda issued a public statement where she announced she had decided to withdraw her engagement in assisting Ngubane's case because of the introduction of monetary donations. 'I would like to take a moment to express my appreciation for the outpouring of support regarding the call to help Ngubane with his rehabilitation. Our initial intention was to assist in placing Fezile at a free rehabilitation centre, as we believe simply throwing money at someone struggling with addiction is not a sustainable solution,' the statement read. Kananda said in the family's pursuit of understanding the issue, she had uncovered further details that suggested a more complex and troubling reality regarding the syndicates involved. 'There are still far too many unanswered questions, and I urge the security cluster to intensify their investigations to help save more lives from the horrors that plague our country.' Kananda said for its protection, the family had chosen to close this chapter. TimesLIVE
IOL News
02-06-2025
- IOL News
After wrongful arrest, Fezile Ngubane shares his story: 'This was my last opportunity
A high school picture of Fezile Ngubane. The KwaZulu Natal man believes his vindication by SAPS in the murder of Olorato Mongale is an opportunity to turn his life around. Image: X Fezile Ngubane, the KwaZulu Natal man who was arrested and later released for the gruesome murder of Olorato Mongale insists he has never laid his hand on a woman. It was previously reported that Ngubane was handed over to authorities by his father at the KwaMashu police station after learning that his son was sought in connection with the murder case. According to police, a multidisciplinary investigation team, headed by Major General Mbuso Khumalo, Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Crime Detection in Gauteng, conducted thorough interviews and preliminary investigations that ultimately absolved Ngubane. He has been deemed a victim, having been unwittingly drawn into a sinister scheme, and has since been released from police custody. Ngubane, who is a father to a teenage girl and ekes a living by washing cars, was wrongly implicated in the horrific murder of Mongale, after a suspect in the murder, Philangenkosi Makhanya, allegedly used Ngubane's identity to register multiple SIM cards. Makhanya allegedly used the SIM cards registered in Ngubane's name communicate with various women. Speaking to journalists, a shaken Ngubane said despite struggling with drug addiction, he is not a violent person. "I would like South Africans to know that I have never been involved in crime, i have never been a person who is a fan of crime, I do not entertain crime. It is just that the addiction, the life that I have put myself in, is the one that is really hurting me. For these three days, as I was in the holding cells, I was shaking for my life, I saw that maybe this is my last opportunity in life to turn back, to do good," he said. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad Loading Most of my life, I have hurt my parents and I have hurt myself. I would like to say to South Africans, anybody who thought I was involved in this should know that I have never done anything wrong, I have never left home, I have always been at home with my parents and I have never laid a hand on a woman. I have one child in my life. I am not a violent person." Ngubane said from the time he was arrested, and went on to spend days in police holding cells, his neighbours have been vouching for him, because they know he is not a violent person. Ngubane said he would be happy to receive help to quit his reliance on intoxicating substances. "I would kindly be glad if help was offered," he told reporters. On Sunday, IOL reported that Deputy Police Minister Dr Polly Boshielo has called for society to help the authorities combat gender-based violence at Mongale's funeral in Bloemfontein. Boshielo extended her condolences to Mongale's family, particularly her mother, Poppy Mongale. "We may not have been able to prevent the death of your child, but one of her perpetrators is now in permanent custody and will never rise again to terrorise other women," she said. Olorato Mongale was recently found dead after going on a date. Image: X The police's National Anti-Kidnapping Task Team and Gauteng Provincial Investigating Unit were activated immediately after the case was reported last Sunday. "Ladies and gentlemen, it was important that we get to these criminals first before they do, what they did to Olorato, to another woman. "To Poppy and the family, may you find solace in knowing that because of Olorato's spirit, Philangenkosi Makhanya will no longer terrorise women in South Africa." Boshielo emphasised that at least 20 cases are being linked to the suspects, with incidents reported in Bloemfontein, Nelspruit, Midrand, Pretoria, Potchefstroom, Lebowakgomo, and Johannesburg. Victims were lured under the guise of romantic interest, only to be robbed and, in some cases, kidnapped. She also reiterated that Ngubane, previously thought to be a suspect, has been cleared following evidence that he was a victim of identity theft. Cape Argus
IOL News
02-06-2025
- IOL News
'My last opportunity in life: Fezile Ngubane speaks out after being cleared of Olorato Mongale's murder
A high school picture of Fezile Ngubane. The KwaZulu Natal man believes his vindication by SAPS in the murder of Olorato Mongale is an opportunity to turn his life around. Image: X Fezile Ngubane, the KwaZulu Natal man who was arrested and later released for the gruesome murder of Olorato Mongale insists he has never laid his hand on a woman. IOL previously reported that Ngubane was handed over to authorities by his father at the KwaMashu police station after learning that his son was sought in connection with the murder case. According to police, a multidisciplinary investigation team, headed by Major General Mbuso Khumalo, Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Crime Detection in Gauteng, conducted thorough interviews and preliminary investigations that ultimately absolved Ngubane. He has been deemed a victim, having been unwittingly drawn into a sinister scheme, and has since been released from police custody. Ngubane, who is a father to a teenage girl and ekes a living by washing cars, was wrongly implicated in the horrific murder of Mongale, after a suspect in the murder, Philangenkosi Makhanya, allegedly used Ngubane's identity to register multiple SIM cards. Makhanya allegedly used the SIM cards registered in Ngubane's name communicate with various women. Speaking to journalists, a shaken Ngubane said despite struggling with drug addiction, he is not a violent person. "I would like South Africans to know that I have never been involved in crime, i have never been a person who is a fan of crime, I do not entertain crime. It is just that the addiction, the life that I have put myself in, is the one that is really hurting me. For these three days, as I was in the holding cells, I was shaking for my life, I saw that maybe this is my last opportunity in life to turn back, to do good," he said. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Most of my life, I have hurt my parents and I have hurt myself. I would like to say to South Africans, anybody who thought I was involved in this should know that I have never done anything wrong, I have never left home, I have always been at home with my parents and I have never laid a hand on a woman. I have one child in my life. I am not a violent person." Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel. Ngubane said from the time he was arrested, and went on to spend days in police holding cells, his neighbours have been vouching for him, because they know he is not a violent person. Ngubane said he would be happy to receive help to quit his reliance on intoxicating substances. "I would kindly be glad if help was offered," he told reporters. On Sunday, IOL reported that Deputy Police Minister Dr Polly Boshielo has called for society to help the authorities combat gender-based violence at Mongale's funeral in Bloemfontein. Boshielo extended her condolences to Mongale's family, particularly her mother, Poppy Mongale. "We may not have been able to prevent the death of your child, but one of her perpetrators is now in permanent custody and will never rise again to terrorise other women," she said. Olorato Mongale was recently found dead after going on a date. Image: X The police's National Anti-Kidnapping Task Team and Gauteng Provincial Investigating Unit were activated immediately after the case was reported last Sunday. "Ladies and gentlemen, it was important that we get to these criminals first before they do, what they did to Olorato, to another woman. "To Poppy and the family, may you find solace in knowing that because of Olorato's spirit, Philangenkosi Makhanya will no longer terrorise women in South Africa." Boshielo emphasised that at least 20 cases are being linked to the suspects, with incidents reported in Bloemfontein, Nelspruit, Midrand, Pretoria, Potchefstroom, Lebowakgomo, and Johannesburg. Victims were lured under the guise of romantic interest, only to be robbed and, in some cases, kidnapped. She also reiterated that Ngubane, previously thought to be a suspect, has been cleared following evidence that he was a victim of identity theft. IOL News
The Citizen
31-05-2025
- The Citizen
Top 10 stories of the day: Suspect cleared in kidnapping case
Here's your daily news update for Saturday, 31 May 2025: An easy-to-read selection of our top stories. As police continue their search for a suspect wanted in connection with the kidnapping of women, another man was cleared of any wrongdoing on Saturday. The South African Police Service (Saps) confirmed that Fezile Ngubane, who was previously identified as a suspect in a syndicate targeting young women, has been cleared of any wrongdoing and released from police custody. In other news, the City of Tshwane has warned its residents that the city's water woes could worsen if they continue to consume water at the current rate. While Rand Water conducts its 107-hour planned major maintenance, which will affect parts of the City of Tshwane, the municipality has urged residents to conserve water to avoid further outages. Weather tomorrow: 01 June 2025 The weather service predicts fine and cool to warm conditions; however, it will be partly cloudy over the northeastern parts of South Africa as well as along the southwest coast, with possible damaging waves along the south coast. Full weather forecast here. Stay up to date with The Citizen – More News, Your Way. Fezile Ngubane is a victim, not suspect in kidnapping case, says Saps Ngubane was handed over to police by his father on Friday at the KwaMashu police station after reports emerged linking him to the ongoing Olorato murder case. Fezile Ngubane. Picture: Supplied/ Saps According to Saps, Ngubane earns a living washing cars and resides in the same neighbourhood as the deceased suspect Philangenkosi Makhanya. CONTINUE READING: Fezile Ngubane is a victim, not suspect in kidnapping case, says Saps Veteran journalist and editor Andrew Trench has died The media industry is mourning the death of veteran journalist and editor Andrew Trench. Veteran journalist and editor Andrew Trench. Picture: Facebook Trench, who worked for several major publications both in South Africa and abroad, died on Friday evening surrounded by family. He had been battling oesophageal cancer. CONTINUE READING: Veteran journalist and editor Andrew Trench has died Tshwane's water warning to residents City of Tshwane spokesperson Selby Bokaba on Friday urged residents of Region 6 and some parts of regions 2 and 3 to urgently reduce their water consumption after levels at the city's reservoirs dropped significantly. Picture: Stock Bokaba said the continuation of high consumption was likely to put consumers in these regions at risk of having no water until the work is completed. CONTINUE READING: Tshwane's water warning to residents PODCAST: What closure of Nissan Rosslyn plant means for Mzansi The Nissan plant in Rosslyn outside Pretoria faces closure in the Japanese carmaker's desperate attempt to cut its global losses. Nissan will close seven of its current 17 factories by 2027, one reportedly being the Rosslyn Plant outside Pretoria. Photo by MATTHIAS BALK / DPA / dpa Picture-Alliance via AFP The local factory is one of seven global assembly facilities on the chopping block as Nissan plans to reduce its plants from 17 to 10 by 2027. CONTINUE READING: PODCAST: What closure of Nissan Rosslyn plant means for Mzansi Truck driver found twenty times over the legal alcohol limit in KZN The Road Traffic Inspectorate, working with the South African Police Service (Saps), have arrested a truck driver for drinking and driving in Van Reenen along the N3 Freeway. Picture: Supplied According to Duma, another driver was caught driving a truck and blew 2.0mg/1000ml, which is twenty times more than the legal limit of 0.10mg /1000ml. CONTINUE READING: Truck driver found twenty times over the legal alcohol limit in KZN Here are five more news stories of the day: Yesterday's News recap READ HERE: Trump's pastor: No white genocide | Spar bleeds billions| Mongale murder suspect shot dead
