In a shocking twist in the investigation into the death of Olorato Mongale, new speculation has emerged pointing to her mother as a potential suspect. Prominent music executive Nota Baloyi took to social media, stating, “Olorato’s mother must come clean… Her story doesn’t make sense, she’s my #1 suspect!” This claim has fueled public debate, with additional commentary from a social media user, identifying as an only child, raising questions about potential family motives.
The user suggested that Olorato’s status as an only child could mean her family, particularly relatives, might stand to gain significant assets—such as property, cars, or insurance benefits—if she were out of the picture. The user shared a personal anecdote, recounting experiences of familial manipulation and “witchcraft attacks” due to their own position as an only child, hinting that Olorato’s relatives could have orchestrated her death for financial gain.
According to police reports, Olorato was allegedly killed by Philangenkosi Makhanya, who met her in Bloemfontein and later murdered her in Johannesburg. Mathe, a police spokesperson, detailed the events: “They met her in Bloem … killed her in Johannesburg and then fled to KZN. All the way, they were living in various lodges. They had access to cloned number plates and various vehicles.
This is not just a normal robbing crew.” Makhanya was reportedly tipped off by Olorato’s mother about police activity in KwaMashu township, allowing him to evade capture temporarily. “When he heard that the police were looking for him, he called his friend, who rents cars, to come and collect him,” Mathe added. Makhanya confessed to his friend about meeting Olorato at a Bloemfontein mall, where she was shopping with her mother, before luring her to Johannesburg, where her body was later found in Lombardy West, ejected from a white VW Polo.
Police investigations reveal that Makhanya and his accomplice, Bongani Mthimkhulu, who remains at large, were part of a syndicate targeting women at shopping centers across South Africa. Using the now-impounded VW Polo, they allegedly committed kidnappings, murders, and robberies in provinces including Mpumalanga, Free State, North West, Limpopo, and Gauteng.
“We have cracked a romance syndicate that operated across the country,” Mathe confirmed, noting multiple cases linking the duo to these crimes.
Olorato’s aunt, Dr. Maureen Mongale, spoke at a memorial service in Bloemfontein, describing her niece as a victim of kidnapping. “Olorato was kidnapped by those people who murdered her, and the police are working on the case,” she said.
However, Olorato’s mother has refused to comment, drawing further scrutiny. Family spokesperson Criselda Kananda stated, “Respectfully, the family doesn’t want to comment on issues related to the autopsy, and Olorato’s mother has requested not to comment on any of the issues raised here. We continue to hope that the South African Police Service will help us with closure and justice for Olorato.”
The social media user’s claims have added fuel to the speculation, suggesting that Olorato’s status as an only child may have made her a target within her own family. “What if her family set her up, knowing that they stand to gain should her parents die?” the user wrote, pointing to potential motives involving inheritance of assets like houses, cars, and insurance payouts. The user’s personal experience of surviving familial schemes as an only child underscored their theory that “the main culprit in Olorato’s case is among the family/relatives.”
Police have cleared Fezile Ngubane, an initial suspect, with Mathe noting, “He was not Olorato’s type.” As the investigation continues, the KwaZulu-Natal police, led by Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, are intensifying efforts to apprehend Mthimkhulu and uncover the full truth behind Olorato’s tragic death.
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