The primary suspect in the murder of Olorato Mongale has been shot and killed by police in KwaZulu-Natal.

Philangenkosi Makhanya was discovered by the police in Amanzimtoti, located south of Durban. It’s believed that he fired at the police, who subsequently returned fire.

Makhanya, along with two other suspects, Fezile Ngubane and Bongani Mthimkhulu, was wanted in connection with Mongale’s murder.

Mongale’s body was discovered near Alexandra township, in northern Johannesburg, last Sunday.

Ngubane and Mthimkhulu are still on the run.

Olorato Mongale murder | Prime suspect killed – KZN Police Commissioner shares more

On Thursday night, police also confirmed that Makhanya’s mother and father were taken into custody. This, as Makhanya’s father owned the VW Polo allegedly used in the commission of the crime, whilst his mother is believed to have tried to tip off her son to evade police.

KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lt General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi is at the crime scene.

Mongale was murdered after being picked up by a man in a VW Polo, and her body was dumped at Lombardy West.

Police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe says the father of the suspects, said to be the vehicle owner, has been taken into custody.

“We have two suspects in custody: the mother and father of one of the suspects, who is on the run, are in custody. The father is the owner of the VW Polo, while the mother is believed to have tipped off the son that police are at the parents’ house looking for him. This action by the mother enabled the son to evade arrest on Wednesday evening. When police arrived at his residence he had already left. But we are quite confident the teams on the ground will register a breakthrough soon, and we will find all the suspects we are looking for.”

Olorato Mongale | KZN police still hunting for the mastermind

*This article was first published by SABC News