Fezile Ngubane, a Durban man recently cleared in the murder investigation of Wits University student Olorato Mongale, has spoken out after enduring weeks of fear and public scrutiny. Initially listed as one of three suspects sought by police, Ngubane’s name was dragged into a case he had nothing to do with due to identity theft by the real suspect, Philangenkosi Sibongokuhle Makhanya.
Ngubane, who admits to struggling with drug addiction, said he was terrified after hearing he was a wanted man. “I was scared for my life,” he shared. “I have a problem with drugs, but I am not a violent person. I have never lifted my hand on any woman.”
The situation escalated quickly when police visited his family's home, searching for him. His father and siblings then set out to find him and bring him to the police voluntarily convinced he needed to clear his name.
His father defended him, saying, “As soon as police came looking for him, I knew this wasn’t right. Violence is not my son’s way. He’s made mistakes, but harming a woman is not one of them.”
Police have since confirmed that Ngubane was not involved in Mongale’s death. An in-depth investigation revealed that Makhanya, who died in a police shootout in Amanzimtoti, KwaZulu-Natal, had stolen Ngubane’s identity documents, including his smart ID card, to register SIM cards and commit various crimes. These SIM cards were used to communicate with women, including Mongale.
Authorities found 27 stolen ID cards and 20 mobile phones in Makhanya’s possession, suggesting he was operating as part of a broader identity theft ring. Among the stolen items was Ngubane’s ID, linking him falsely to Makhanya’s actions.
Ngubane, a car washer who hasn’t left Durban in years, was devastated to be implicated. Now that his name has been cleared, his ordeal has highlighted the very real dangers of identity theft not just in terms of financial fraud, but in life-altering, reputation-destroying consequences.
Olorato Mongale was reported missing after going on a date in Johannesburg and was later found dead, sparking national outcry. Her funeral was held in Bloemfontein, with her story putting renewed focus on the scourge of gender-based violence in South Africa.
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