By Siphumelele Madide
The police have revealed that over twenty women have come forward to say that they are victims of those suspected to have killed Olorato Mongale who was buried in Bloemfontein in Sunday. ““It is no exaggeration to say women in our country are under attack and indeed are afraid,” said Free State Premier MaQueen Letshoha-Mathae at the funeral.
Many other women have taken to social media to describe their harrowing experiences as they fought for their lives after meeting Philangenkosi Makhanya who was killed by the police a few days ago.
On her Instagram, comedian Thuli Dlamuka shared an experience she said happened in May lasy year. “He hit me like a punching bag,” she said about Philangenkosi.
Dlamuka says he then went on to steal her money and belongings. This is a story the police say has been echoed by many women as they speak about the now late alleged murderer.
After Olorato Mongale’s murder – the police believe that they have now uncovered uncovered what appears to be a criminal syndicate targeting women in various provinces. The police say they meet the women online, make them comfortable, propose romantic interest and then attack them on the day of the first meeting.
Another victim who managed to escape is Simphiwe Gumede who says she met Philangenkosi in a shopping mall in Richards Bay. “He said we were going to be joined by his friend and the friend’s partner,” Simphiwe recalled.
“When I got in the car, they said we were going to fetch the girlfriend,” she continued.
She then further said that they drove her to an open field in the Mzingazi area where she said is where her ordeal happened. “I tried fighting back, but Philangenkosi stabbed me many times in the back, while the other one slapped me. I fell, and they left me there to die. Fortunately, a passerby found me and helped.”
The SAPS’s swift response after the widely publicised Olorato’s murder, resulting in the death of the main suspect has been praised. “We are still working on finding the other suspects in this syndicate,” Brigadier Mathe emphasised.
