The shocking death of 30-year-old Olerato Mongale has sent a chilling wave of fear across Johannesburg, particularly in Sandton, not far from where her lifeless body was discovered.
According to Gauteng police, Mongale, a promising student originally from Taung in the North West, was last seen on Sunday, May 25, after being picked at her residential complex by a man known only as John—whom she had been speaking to online and had planned a date with. She was found dead just hours later.
The suspect is wanted for the alleged murder and is believed to be driving a white VW Polo bearing a cloned number plate — LT 57 JG GP — which is registered to a Toyota Hilux.
“The man fetched Olorato at her residential complex in Athol, Johannesburg, at around 3pm on Sunday, 25 May 2025,” Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said. “He drove with the victim in the township of Alexandra, proceeded to Kew and between Alexandra and Lombardy West in Johannesburg, this man allegedly murdered Olorato and dumped her body.”
Mongale’s items, including her phone and handbag, were found discarded on 9th Road in Kew, Johannesburg. Her body was discovered shortly afterwards in the vicinity. “Her body was found in less than two hours at around 16:50 in Lombardy West on Sunday afternoon by the SAPS with the assistance of community members,” Mathe added.
Olerato’s death is not the only recent case raising alarm. Mathe confirmed they are investigating the murder of two other women whose bodies were found in similar circumstances in the area — both dumped near roadsides, both believed to have met their attackers after online communication.
The first discovery was of a 39-year-old woman’ whose lifeless body was on the side of Catherine Street in Sandown, Sandton, on May 8. A month earlier, another lifeless body was found under similar circumstances.
“Our investigators are analysing all these cases to see if we have one perpetrator for these particular incidents,” she said, adding that they believe suspect was not working alone, but had an accomplice present when he dropped Olerato’s dead body off in Lombardy.
Criselda Kananda, the family spokesperson has described Mongale as a bookworm and a deeply loved person who knew how to light up the room when she’s around people.
“She had a beautiful soul, and it’s a pity that criminals didn’t get to know the person they violated,” Kananda told the Sowetan.
How to help and stay safe
While there have been no direct arrests in Olerato Mongale’s specific case as of this report, police are actively pursuing leads.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Crime Stop Line at 08600 10111 or submit tips anonymously via the MySAPSApp.
Police also urge all women to:
- Inform friends/family of meet-ups, including time, location, and vehicle details.
- Share live location updates during dates.
- Arrange first meetings in public, well-lit areas.
- Avoid consuming food/drinks from strangers.
- Be cautious of suspicious or over-affectionate behavior.
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