In a major breakthrough in the murder investigation of 30-year-old Olorato Mongale, the South African Police Service (SAPS) National Crime Intelligence Unit has seized the white VW Polo allegedly used in her killing.
- A man known only as ‘John’ was wanted in connection with the brutal murder of the 30-year-old woman from Sandton.
- The suspect had allegedly picked up Olorato Mongale from her residential complex in Athol, Sandton, at around 3pm on Sunday, 25 May 2025.
- He was driving a white VW Polo fitted with a cloned number plate – LT 57 JG GP, which officially belonged to a Toyota Hilux.
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The car was discovered at a panel beater workshop in Phoenix, Durban following an intensive, intelligence-driven operation that spanned provinces and involved a multidisciplinary team of law enforcement agencies. The South African Police Service (SAPS) had activated a high-level task team and mobilised all available resources in a manhunt for the suspect. According to police investigations, Olorato had gone on a date with the suspect. He had reportedly driven through Alexandra, then to Kew, and eventually into the area between Alexandra and Lombardy West, where he allegedly murdered Olorato and dumped her body.
The white VW Polo, which played a central role in the tragic events that unfolded on Sunday, 25 May 2025, had been fitted with fake registration plates and went off the radar shortly after Olorato’s body was discovered dumped between Alexandra and Lombardy West in Johannesburg. According to SAPS, forensic examination of the recovered vehicle revealed traces of blood inside the cabin, further linking it to the murder. An elderly man, believed to be the registered owner of the car, has been arrested and is currently in custody for questioning. However, police are still hunting for three men believed to be directly involved in Olorato’s murder.
The investigation, led by the SAPS Anti-Kidnapping Task Team, initially traced the suspects to a lodge in Kew, Johannesburg, where two individuals had checked in shortly after the crime. Intelligence gathered there directed officers to KwaMashu in Durban – home to one of the suspects. From there, detectives tracked the Polo to a Phoenix panel beater, where the vehicle was ultimately seized.
The suspects, now identified as Fezile Ngubane, Philangenkosi Sibongokuhle Makhanya, and Bongani Mthimkhulu, remain at large and are considered armed and dangerous. Members of the public have been urged not to approach the suspects but to instead contact Brigadier Nama on +27-82-778-9035 with any information that may assist in their apprehension.
In a statement issued by the Ministry of Police, Minister Senzo Mchunu commended the collaborative work of the SAPS teams involved, including the Gauteng Provincial Investigation Unit (PIU), the DPCI KZN Tracking Team, the Durban Metro Police K-9 Unit, and private security operatives.
The Ministry has also highlighted a worrying trend in the rise of crimes linked to relationships formed online, where perpetrators lure victims into dangerous situations under false pretences. The National Commissioner of the SAPS, General Fannie Masemola, also praised the rapid progress in the case and reaffirmed the commitment of SAPS to ensuring justice is served.
SAPS has acknowledged the cooperation of victims and members of the public who have provided valuable information. The case remains active and sensitive, with investigators urging continued support from the public as they pursue the remaining suspects. Anyone with information is urged to come forward immediately. All information will be treated with the strictest confidentiality. Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or send a tip-off via the MySAPS app.
This is a developing story.
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