Deputy Police Minister Dr. Polly Boshielo has confirmed that law enforcement officers are actively pursuing Bongani Mthimkhulu, the remaining suspect in the brutal murder of 22-year-old Olorato Mongale. Authorities have vowed to apprehend him “dead or alive.”
A Nation in Crisis
During a televised interview, Boshielo highlighted the escalating gender-based violence (GBV) crisis in South Africa, citing Mongale’s killing and the recent discovery of 14-year-old Lukhona Fose’s body in Roodepoort as grim examples.
“Women and children live in constant fear,” Boshielo said. “This is a national crisis that requires urgent intervention.”
Hunt for the Suspect
While not disclosing specifics, Boshielo assured the public that police are following strong leads. “The Provincial Commissioner has assured us that we will find Bongani soon,” she stated, urging Mthimkhulu to surrender before being tracked down.
She also defended police tactics when questioned about her “dead or alive” remark, clarifying that officers prioritize arrest but will retaliate if threatened.
Systemic Failures and Reforms
The discussion shifted to systemic issues within the South African Police Service (SAPS), including past reports of officers failing GBV victims. Boshielo acknowledged past shortcomings but insisted improvements have been made, including:
-
Victim-friendly rooms established in most police stations.
-
Collaboration with social workers to improve victim support.
-
Disciplinary actions against negligent officers through IPID (Independent Police Investigative Directorate).
However, when pressed for exact figures on disciplinary cases or station upgrades, Boshielo admitted she did not have the numbers at hand but promised to provide them later.
A Call for National Unity
Boshielo urged communities to work with law enforcement, emphasizing that perpetrators “live among us.” She also referenced President Cyril Ramaphosa’s declaration of GBV as a “national crisis” and promised intensified awareness campaigns.
Message to Survivors
To survivors who distrust the system, Boshielo insisted progress is being made but conceded: “We know there are still failures. We are working to fix them.”
As the manhunt continues, Mongale’s case remains a stark reminder of the violence plaguing South Africa—and the urgent need for systemic change.