According to police, Ngubane washes cars for a living and resides in the same neighbourhood as the main accused in the matter, Philangenkosi Makhanya. Police say Makhanya fraudulently obtained the unsuspecting Ngubane’s identity documents (ID) and used them to register mobile cellphone numbers and bank cards in Ngubane’s name. It was through Makhanya’s use of these numbers and cards, that police were led to Ngubane.

National Police Spokesperson, Athlenda Mathe says Ngubane turned himself over to police after finding out that he was being sought in connection with the murder.

“Makhanya identified Ngubane as a soft target and took his smart card ID and used it to register SIM cards, which Makhanya would use to commit his long list of robberies and kidnapping crimes, targeted at young women,” Mathe said.

 Makhanya was shot and killed on Friday morning following a shootout with police in the KwaZulu-Natal province. A friend of the now-deceased suspect, said at the time, that Makhanya confessed to the murder of the 30-year- old woman and a number of other alleged crimes he was still in court for. Mathe says Makhanya also used Ngubane’s bank card to make clothing purchases.

“Ngubane’s ID was found as part of the 27 found in possession of the deceased,” Mathe said.

Speaking at a funeral service held for Mongale in the city of Bloemfontein, in the Free State province on Sunday, SA Deputy Police Minister, Polly Boshielo said 20 cases have so far been linked to Makhanya and Bongani Mthimkhulu, who remains at large. Police say the pair used the same modus of targeting women at malls in areas such as Bloemfontein, Potchefstroom, Nelspruit, Lebowakgomo and Midrand.

--Sithakazelo Dlamini--