Johannesburg: Fezile Ngubane, who was previously identified as a suspect in a syndicate targeting young women, has been released from police custody and cleared of any wrongdoing by the South African Police Service (SAPS).
According to South African Police Service, Ngubane, initially sought in connection with the Olorato murder case, was handed over to authorities by his father at the KwaMashu police station. A multidisciplinary team, led by Major General Mbuso Khumalo, the Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Crime Detection in Gauteng, along with the SAPS National Anti-kidnapping task team and the KZN and Gauteng Provincial Investigating Unit, conducted a thorough interview and preliminary investigation, ultimately clearing Ngubane of all suspicions.
The preliminary report reveals that Ngubane, who works as a car washer and resides in the same neighborhood as the deceased Philangenkosi Makhanya, was exploited by Makhanya. It is alleged that Makhanya took Ngubane’s ID smart card to RICA SIM cards, which were then used in various kidnapping and robbery operations targeting young women. Additionally, Makhanya is said to have used Ngubane’s bank card for purchases at various clothing stores.
Ngubane’s ID was among the 27 ID smart cards discovered in Makhanya’s possession. In light of this, SAPS has also released the parents of one of the two other suspects after recording their statements.
The police are currently handling at least twenty cases where women have identified the suspects as their kidnappers and robbers. These incidents have been reported in various locations, including Potchefstroom, Bloemfontein, Midrand, Ogies, Nelspruit, Pretoria, and Johannesburg.
The search for Bongani Mthimkulu, another suspect in the case, is ongoing. Authorities urge Mthimkulu to surrender himself at the nearest police station.