Brakpan, Gauteng — Two men suspected in the high-profile murder of Olerato Mongale were arrested in Brakpan on April 20 after allegedly kidnapping and robbing a young retail worker — while already out on bail for a separate armed robbery charge scheduled for trial in April 2025.
The suspects, identified as Bongani Mthimkhulu and Philangenkosi Makhanya, were reportedly caught red-handed during the brazen daylight incident. According to the Brakpan Herald, the pair was driving a VW Polo when they allegedly lured their victim — a young woman employed at a nearby mall — under false pretenses.
The victim, speaking briefly with local reporters, described a chilling encounter that began with a feigned romantic gesture.
“One of them had shown interest in me before,” she recounted. “When he invited me to join him and his friend during lunch, I didn’t think anything was off. But once I was in the car, he told me to empty my handbag. They took R500 and drove off.”
Authorities confirmed that the suspects were arrested at the scene and have since been released on bail once again — a move sparking public concern and renewed scrutiny over South Africa’s bail system.
Both men are also central to the ongoing investigation into the murder of Olerato Mongale, a case that has stirred widespread attention and outrage. While police have yet to confirm whether the Brakpan incident will have a direct impact on the murder proceedings, pressure is mounting on law enforcement to tighten its net.
The third suspect in Mongale’s case remains at large as the manhunt intensifies. Community members and advocacy groups are calling for swift justice and stronger accountability mechanisms to prevent repeat offenders from slipping through the cracks.
With questions swirling around how murder suspects could so easily reoffend while awaiting trial, this latest incident adds another disturbing chapter to an already tragic narrative.
