Police have arrested the parents of the main suspect in the murder of 30-year-old student Olorato Mongale, intensifying the manhunt for the man known only as “John,” who remains on the run.
Police believe Olorato Mongale murder suspect aided in his escape
According to police, the suspect’s mother and father were taken into custody after investigators uncovered their alleged involvement in helping their son escape law enforcement.
The suspect’s father is the registered owner of the white VW Polo used to pick up Mongale on Sunday, 25 May 2025. That vehicle was later found to be linked to her murder.
CCTV footage showed Mongale entering the white Polo at her residential complex in Athol, Johannesburg, around 15:00. Less than two hours later, her lifeless body was found dumped in Lombardy West, with bruises suggesting she had been attacked.
Her phone and handbag were later discovered on 9th Road in Kew, helping authorities map her final movements.
National police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe confirmed that the vehicle had a cloned number plate. The false registration, LT 57 JG GP, was traced back to a Toyota Hilux, indicating a deliberate attempt to mislead police and cover the suspect’s tracks.
Further investigation revealed that when police arrived at the parents’ home in Inanda to arrest the suspect, he had already fled. Officers believe the suspect’s mother tipped him off about their presence, giving him time to escape.
“The suspect’s father owns the vehicle used in the murder, and the mother is believed to have alerted him about the police’s arrival,” a police source said.
This alleged interference led to the arrest of both parents, who are now being held while investigations continue.
Police are still searching for the man known only as “John,” and are probing whether he had help from a second suspect during the attack. Investigators are also reviewing links to other unsolved cases, including the murders of two women in Sandton who were similarly found dumped after meeting someone.
“Our investigators are analysing all these cases to see if we have one perpetrator for these particular incidents,” Mathe said.
