The police have launched a manhunt for an African male who uses the name “John” in connection with the murder of Wits University postgraduate female student Olorato Mongale.
National police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said John allegedly murdered the 30-year-old Mongale and dumped her body.
“The South African Police Service has activated resources and teams to hunt down an African male who uses the name of John [pseudonym] and drives a VW Polo fitted with a cloned number plate that belongs to a Toyota Hilux. The cloned number plate is LT 57 JG GP,” said Mathe.
Fake registration number
“The man is wanted in connection with the alleged murder of a 30-year-old female. Olorato Mongale went on a date with her alleged killer, who picked her up from her residential complex driving a white VW Polo.
“During investigations it emerged that the vehicle is fitted with fake registration number plates. The fake registration number plate is LT 57 JG GP.”
Mathe said the wanted man fetched Mongale at her residential complex in Athol, Johannesburg, at about 3pm on Sunday.
“He drove with the victim to the township of Alexandra, proceeded to Kew and travelled between Alexandra and Lombardy West in Johannesburg. This man allegedly murdered Olorato and dumped her body.
“We found some of the victim’s belongings, including a phone and a handbag, abandoned on 9th Rd in Kew, Johannesburg.
“Her body was found in less than two hours at around 4.50pm in Lombardy West on Sunday afternoon by the police with the assistance of community members,” said Mathe.
She said Gauteng police are investigating the possibility that “John” was with another male suspect when they murdered Mongale.
Probe into another dumped body
Meanwhile, Mathe said Gauteng police are also investigating a similar case after a 39-year-old woman was found dumped on Catherine Street in Sandown, Sandton, on May 8.
Mathe added that just last week, police pounced on a Limpopo man who was targeting women on Facebook using a fake profile and identity.
“The 24-year-old man is still in custody and has already appeared before the Bolobedu magistrate’s court on a charge of kidnapping and rape.
“He lured a 28-year-old female to Limpopo under false pretences and raped her repeatedly. She was later rescued by police at a filling station in Giyani.”
She said police urged women to be on the lookout for the white VW Polo belonging to the wanted man.
“While police investigation teams are on the ground on the Olorato Mongale case and several other GBVF [gender-based violence and femicide] cases, we are urging women to be extra vigilant and look out for this VW Polo,” said Mathe.
“Women are also urged to always report their whereabouts to friends and family when meeting new friends or going out on dates. Avoid meeting strangers in secluded areas and only [meet strangers] in public spaces.”
Body was brutally violated
The Mongale family spokesperson, Criselda Kananda, said the Wits student’s body was found in a dumping area in Lombardy East in the early hours of Monday morning.
According to CCTV footage circulating on social media, Mongale, dressed in a black sweater, black shirt, and white shoes, can be seen leaving her residence and walking towards a white VW Polo on Sunday afternoon.
Kananda said Mongale’s body was “brutally violated” when it was found. “By the way she was badly injured, you can tell she was fighting. She put up a fight,” said Kananda.
She said the family will not disclose the cause of death at this stage nor what kind of injuries Mongale sustained.
She added that the family and friends do not know the person Mongale went out on a date with.
“The family is devastated. Mongale was her mother’s only daughter. No words can explain what happened. This was a gruesome death. Her mother is beside herself,” said Kananda.
She said Mongale was studying for a postgraduate diploma in business management.
