Warrant of arrest issued after suspects in Olorato murder case fail to appear in court

A warrant of arrest has been issued against two men sought by police in connection with Olorato Mongale after they failed to appear in court to face charges of kidnapping and robbery of another woman in Brakpan.

The duo – Philangenkosi Makhanya and Bongani Mthimkhulu – were due to appear in the Brakpan magistrate's court on Tuesday.
The duo – Philangenkosi Makhanya and Bongani Mthimkhulu – were due to appear in the Brakpan magistrate's court on Tuesday. (SUHAIB SALEM)

A warrant of arrest has been issued against two men sought by police in connection with Olorato Mongale after they failed to appear in court to face charges of kidnapping and robbery of another woman in Brakpan.

The duo – Philangenkosi Makhanya and Bongani Mthimkhulu – were due to appear in the Brakpan magistrate's court on Tuesday.

Makhanya was killed in a shootout with police in KwaZulu-Natal last week.

The National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana said:

“The matter was presented, however, the two accused individuals were not present. As a result, a warrant for their arrest was issued. Once we receive confirmation of Philangenkosi Makhanya's death, the court can approve a refund of his bail money and cancel the warrant for his arrest,” she explained.

Mahanjana said the matter has been postponed to June 17.

Olorato had met a man known as John at a mall in Bloemfontein, Free State, in May, and following days of communication, they arranged to go on a date. The man told her he'd come to Johannesburg days later.

Hours before the man picked her up from her place on May 25, she texted her friend, telling her that she was getting ready to go meet him.

Later that day, Mongale's body was found abandoned in Lombardy outside Alexandra, northern Joburg.

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