A key suspect in the murder of a South African university student has been fatally shot in a police exchange of fire.
The individual was connected to the death of Olorato Mongale, whose body was discovered in Johannesburg on Sunday, approximately two hours after she was reported missing following a date.
In the early hours of Friday, law enforcement located the primary suspect concealed within a residential complex in Amanzimtoti, according to police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe.
Brigadier Mathe stated that the suspect, whose identity remains undisclosed by authorities, opened fire on officers, prompting a return of fire that resulted in his death.
Ms. Mongale’s death has ignited intense discussions concerning violence against women in South Africa.
In a powerful statement, Police Minister Senzo Mchunu described the killing as “inhumane” and “gruesome,” adding, “To all men, this is a plea—simple, urgent, and human: Please, stop killing women.”
The investigation continues for two other men linked to Mongale’s murder, while police have apprehended the deceased suspect’s parents.
The suspect’s mother faces charges of aiding his evasion of arrest by warning him of police presence at her residence.
Authorities also revealed that the suspect’s father owns a VW Polo allegedly used in Ms. Mongale’s murder.
Earlier this week, police identified the three suspects as Fezile Ngubane, Philangenkosi Sibongokuhle Makhanya, and Bongani Mthimkhulu.
Two—Makhanya and Mthimkhulu—were arrested last month for kidnapping and robbing a woman in KwaZulu-Natal, using the same VW Polo involved in Ms. Mongale’s murder, but were released on bail, according to police.
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