The murder of 30-year-old student Olorato Mongale has shocked Johannesburg.
How Olorato Mongale’s date ended in murder
What was meant to be a casual date with a man she had met online turned into a deadly encounter. She was last seen on Sunday, 25 May 2025, leaving her residential complex in Athol, Johannesburg.
Just under two hours later, her bruised body was found dumped five kilometres away in Lombardy West.
Police say Mongale got into a white Volkswagen Polo with a man known only as “John.”
CCTV footage captured the car’s number plate, which was later discovered to be fake.
The plate, LT 57 JG GP, was cloned and actually belongs to a Toyota Hilux. This detail confirmed the vehicle had been used to mislead anyone trying to trace it.
According to national police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, the suspect drove with Mongale through Alexandra and Kew before allegedly killing her and dumping her body in Lombardy West.
“Her body was found in less than two hours at around 16:50 on Sunday afternoon by the SAPS with the assistance of community members,” Mathe said.
Police also found Mongale’s cellphone and handbag dumped on 9th Road in Kew. These discoveries have helped investigators map the final movements of Mongale before her death.
What police know about the suspect
Police have launched a manhunt for “John,” who is believed to be an African male. He remains at large, and officers are also investigating whether he acted alone or with an accomplice.
“Gauteng police are investigating the possibility that ‘John’ was with another male suspect when they allegedly murdered Olorato,” Mathe said.
Investigators are also looking into whether this case is connected to two other unsolved murders in the Sandton area. In those cases, women were found murdered and dumped in similar fashion.
One woman’s body was found on 8 May 2025 on Catherine Street in Sandown. Another was discovered a month earlier under similar circumstances.
“Our investigators are analysing all these cases to see if we have one perpetrator for these particular incidents,” Mathe explained.
Originally from Taung in the North West, Mongale was described as a promising student with a bright future.
Her death has caused widespread concern, particularly for women in Johannesburg who are increasingly anxious about safety when meeting strangers — especially those met online.
As the investigation continues, police are urging the public to come forward with any information that might lead to the arrest of the suspect.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) has activated special teams to track him down and prevent further possible killings.
