Investigations revealed Fezile Ngubane, far from being complicit, was also victimised by the syndicate’s ringleader, the late Philangenkosi Makhanya. National Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe confirmed Ngubane was handed over to police by his father at the KwaMashu Police Station on Friday (30/5). 

Following a interview and investigation by a multidisciplinary team led by Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Crime Detection in Gauteng, Major General Mbuso Khumalo, Ngubane was exonerated.

“According to a preliminary report, Ngubane washes cars for a living and resides in the same neighborhood as the deceased Makhanya. Makhanya allegedly identified Ngubane as a soft target and exploited him by taking his ID smart card to register SIM cards used in criminal activities. Makhanya is also believed to have used Ngubane’s bank card to make purchases at clothing stores,” Mathe said.

Ngubane’s ID was among 27 ID smart cards found in Makhanya’s possession, solidifying his role as a victim rather than a perpetrator.

The parents of one of the two remaining suspects in the case have also been released after providing their statements. Police have now linked the syndicate to at least 20 cases where women have reported being kidnapped and robbed. Mathe said police established that crimes were carried out in Potchefstroom, Bloemfontein, Midrand, Ogies, Mbombela, Pretoria, and Johannesburg.

The search continues for another suspect, Bongani Mthimkulu, with police urging him to surrender at the nearest police station.

The syndicate’s alleged leader and main suspect in Mongale’s death, Makhanya, was fatally shot during a police operation at a residential complex in Amanzimtoti on Friday. According to police, Makhanya opened fire when officers attempted to arrest him, leading to a fatal exchange of gunfire.

Mongale will be laid to rest this morning in Bloemfontein, with the funeral service taking place at Mangaung City Hall.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi dg