Fezile Ngubane, a man from KwaZulu-Natal, is speaking out after being wrongly implicated in the tragic murder of 30-year-old Wits student Olorato Mongale. Recently released from police custody, Ngubane has been cleared of all suspicion and now views his ordeal as a wake-up call and a second chance at life.
Ngubane was arrested after being linked to Mongale’s murder, a case that sparked national outrage and drew attention to South Africa’s gender-based violence crisis. His father, upon learning his son was a suspect, took him to the KwaMashu police station. However, following a thorough investigation led by Major General Mbuso Khumalo, Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Crime Detection in Gauteng, police determined that Ngubane had no involvement in the crime.
Authorities revealed that Philangenkosi Makhanya, a key suspect in Mongale’s murder, had allegedly used Ngubane’s identity to register several SIM cards, which were then used to lure women under false pretenses. Makhanya’s deceptive actions dragged Ngubane into the spotlight, despite his innocence.
“I have never laid my hands on a woman,” Ngubane told reporters after his release. He acknowledged past struggles with drug addiction but firmly denied any criminal behavior or violent tendencies. “For those three days in custody, I was terrified. I felt like this was my last opportunity to change and do good. I’ve hurt myself and my parents enough,” he said.
Ngubane, who supports his teenage daughter by washing cars, said his community stood by him during the ordeal. Neighbors vouched for his character, affirming that he was not a violent individual. “I have always been at home with my parents. I don’t support or participate in crime,” he added.
Despite the emotional and psychological toll of being falsely accused, Ngubane expressed hope that he could now rebuild his life. He also appealed for support in overcoming his substance abuse. “I would kindly be glad if help was offered,” he said.
Meanwhile, Deputy Police Minister Dr. Polly Boshielo attended Mongale’s funeral in Bloemfontein, where she extended her condolences to the victim’s mother and family. Boshielo confirmed that Makhanya, who was apprehended, would not harm another woman again. She emphasized the urgent need for community involvement in the fight against gender-based violence.
Authorities are now connecting Makhanya to over 20 other cases across South Africa, including in Bloemfontein, Nelspruit, Pretoria, and Johannesburg. Victims were reportedly lured via romantic ruses, then robbed or kidnapped.
Boshielo also reinforced that Ngubane had been exonerated, noting that evidence clearly showed he was a victim of identity theft.
Fezile Ngubane’s story is a sobering reminder of the devastating consequences of identity misuse and the critical importance of due process. His message to the public is one of remorse, renewal, and hope—a chance to finally live a life free from addiction and suspicion.