Polokwane, South Africa – The South African Police are intensifying efforts to arrest Bongani Mthimkulu, wanted in connection with the murder of Olorato Mongale and suspected involvement in a kidnapping syndicate targeting young women at shopping malls across several South African provinces.
Mthimkulu remains at large following the death of the first suspect, Philangenkosi Makhanya, who was killed in a shootout with police in Amanzimtoti, KwaZulu-Natal, last week. Mongale’s body was discovered dumped in Lombardy, north of Johannesburg, over a week ago.
National police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe confirmed the syndicate consists of only two members—Makhanya and Mthimkulu—accused of preying on women in malls across Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Free State, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, and North West provinces.
Limpopo police have opened investigations into cases linked to the syndicate, following reports of women being lured into fake relationships and subsequently kidnapped. Deputy Minister of Police Polly Boshielo, speaking at Mongale’s funeral, identified Limpopo as one of the affected regions.
Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba of Limpopo police explained that one recent case involved an armed robbery where the victim met suspects on Facebook and was later robbed after being taken to a guesthouse in Lephalale. The victim identified the suspects after their images were broadcast following Mongale’s case.
Major General Samuel Manala, Limpopo’s deputy commissioner for crime detection, confirmed ongoing investigations into similar cases in the province, describing kidnapping as a growing challenge. He urged women to exercise caution when meeting strangers, especially those met through social media or public places, warning against trusting individuals too quickly.
Manala also referenced a separate kidnapping case in the Macado area involving foreign nationals from Mozambique and Zimbabwe, with 12 suspects currently on trial.
Authorities continue to appeal for public vigilance and information leading to the arrest of Bongani Mthimkulu as investigations into this dangerous syndicate proceed.
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