Central SA
GBV condemned after discovery of Bloemfontein woman’s body in Gauteng─── KEKELETSO MOSEBETSI 10:41 Wed, 28 May 2025
The Free State Department of Social Development has reaffirmed its commitment to fighting gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) after the death of a Bloemfontein woman, whose body was discovered in Gauteng.
Olorato Mongale’s body (30) was discovered in Lombardy West, Randburg, on Monday (25/5), following her disappearance after a date.
Mongale was last seen being picked up from her residential complex in a white VW Polo with fake registration plates replicated from a Toyota Hilux (LT 57 JR GP), according to police investigations. Her personal belongings, including a cell phone, wallet, and handbag, were later found abandoned on 9th Road in Kew, Johannesburg.
Be extra vigilant
Free State Social Development MEC Mathabo Leeto applauded the swift response by the police and urged residents to come forward with any information that might help apprehend the suspect, identified only as John, an African male believed to have driven the vehicle.
“The department … wishes to inform residents about the gender-based violence and femicide, which torments our communities. While police are on the ground on Olorato Mongale’s case and several other cases, we urge our stakeholders, community-based organisations, churches, children, and women to be extra vigilant and look out for this VW Polo with a fake number plate cloned from Toyota Hilux (LT 57 JG GP),” Leeto said.
Leeto extended heartfelt condolences to Mongale’s family, describing the incident as a devastating loss.
