The South African Police Service (SAPS) has officially removed Fezile Ngubane from the list of suspects in a kidnapping and robbery syndicate that targeted young women.
Ngubane’s father took him to KwaMashu police station on Friday 30 May after learning that police were seeking his son in connection with the murder of Olorato.
A multidisciplinary team, led by Gauteng Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Crime Detection Major General Mbuso Khumalo and including the SAPS National Anti-Kidnapping Task Team and investigators from KZN and Gauteng, interviewed Ngubane and conducted a preliminary investigation.
The team concluded that Ngubane was not involved in the crimes.
Syndicate Allegedly Used Ngubane’s Identity
According to SAPS, Ngubane washes cars for a living and lives in the same area as Philangenkosi Makhanya, now deceased.
Makhanya allegedly stole Ngubane’s smart ID card and used it to RICA SIM cards, which he then used to commit a series of crimes.
Police allege that Makhanya used Ngubane’s bank card to shop at various clothing stores.
Police found Ngubane’s ID among 27 smart ID cards in Makhanya’s possession.
More Victims Come Forward
Police have taken statements from the parents of one of the two other suspects and have since released them.
SAPS is currently handling at least 20 cases involving women who say the syndicate kidnapped and robbed them.
These cases span across Potchefstroom, Bloemfontein, Midrand, Ogies, Nelspruit, Pretoria, and Johannesburg.
Police are still searching for Bongani Mthimkulu and have again urged him to surrender at his nearest police station.
Do you believe authorities are doing enough to protect young women from kidnapping and scams like these?
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